The Story Behind the Poem: Stay

This past week a young man at my daughters’ school took his life. I lay in the mountains thinking about what had happened. What this beautiful young man must have been experiencing to lead to this point. I was reminded of this poem, which I wrote quite some time ago.

There are no easy answers as to why someone feels it is time to leave this life. It is not necessarily that they don’t feel cared for or they don’t matter. Sometimes it can be an inexplicable pain they can’t escape. No matter the reasoning, the reality is that individuals who end their life are in unbearable pain with no foreseeable means of relief.

I have no doubt there is a loving Creator at the end of this painful journey that welcomes them into loving arms and provides them with the peace and comfort they were unable to find in life.

For anyone who is struggling, please remember those who desperately wish for you to stay.

Stay

I know that it’s not easy,

I know you want to go.

 

I know the struggle’s endless,

And your fire has lost its glow.

 

I am so very grateful,

For you staying here with me.

 

For holding on so tightly,

Through days of silent misery.

 

I hope you know I love you,

I hate to see you hurt.

 

I’d fix it if I knew how,

I’d do everything I could.

 

It’s just not something I can do,

Though how I wish it so.

 

I did just want to tell you,

I’ll understand if you must go.

 

But if at all it’s possible,

No matter what the path,

 

Please keep fighting through the pain,

And stay with me at last.

 

If you must go,

Somehow I’ll be okay,

 

But if I can live my life with you,

I choose that every day.

 

I don’t know exactly how you feel,

To see no other choice.

 

But when the night grows dark,

Please don’t forget my voice.

 

I don’t want you to leave me,

I’m begging, please don’t go.

 

I know that you are desperate,

But I must make sure you know,

 

I will always be here,

I’ll walk with you by your side.

 

Take just one more step forward,

Just for today, give it another try.

 

If at all it’s possible,

I’ll ask you every day,

 

Please don’t leave me here without you,

If you can, please choose to stay.

If you, a loved one or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You can call 988 anytime to receive some help.

Read other poetry here.