waiting for the light

dressed in her best
better-off dead outfit
she resides in the shadows
for the sun
never shines for her

even in the blackness
the unnoticed signs
were always there
until she grew weary
tired of the dark

longing for enlightenment
she sits there
quietly
patiently
waiting for the light

In the past year, four friends/acquaintances lost their young sons and daughters to suicide. Incidents of teenage suicide are growing at an alarming rate. Each day there are an average of 3,041 suicide attempts of teens attending the 9th through 12th grades (in the United States alone).

Could one conversation, one hug, smile, pat on the back, or question have made a difference? Can’t the ballgame wait for another time? Can’t you catch the latest epsiode of your favorite show tomorrow on Hulu?

Every message, every minute counts. The most important thing we give to our children is OUR TIME. Think about it. It could be a matter of life or death.

Articles on the Subject:

Newsweek

https://www.newsweek.com/2016/10/28/teen-suicide-contagious-colorado-springs-511365.html

The Atlantic

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2015/12/the-silicon-valley-suicides/413140/

USA Today

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2018/03/19/teen-suicide-soaring-do-spotty-mental-health-and-addiction-treatment-share-blame/428148002/

Resources:

http://prp.jasonfoundation.com/facts/youth-suicide-statistics/

https://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/SuicideYouth.html

https://www.apa.org/research/action/suicide.aspx

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline