Behind the Wish

“Birthday Wish” isn’t really about me, though I do relate to a lot of it, I’m just playing the part of someone who plans on taking their own life on their birthday. I personally love birthdays & birthday parties! But I wrote from a different perspective for the symbolism, irony & analogy.

The birthday candle is playing the part of an hourglass, dictating how much time she has left, with the implication that when the flame burns down to the cake, that’s when she’ll make the attempt.

September is Suicide Prevention Month & today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Close to 50,000 people died by suicide last year in the United States alone & that number doesn’t include attempts.

The highest numbers being in the 25-44 age range, proving it’s not just an “angsty teen phase” issue.

Worldwide over 700,000 take their own life yearly. The rate being twice as high among men than women.

Don’t read those stats as numbers, read them as friends and family members to someone.

If you have never fought suicidal thoughts, I wrote this poem in part to give you a peek behind the mind & into the heart of someone who does. Prevention is for the people who surround the sufferer too. It’s devastating to everyone around them. Don’t wait for funeral arrangements before you pay attention though. You may be irritated by tears as many are but you’ll be okay, they dry up— the sight of finding someone you love too late, won’t.

If you have or do fight suicidal thoughts — this poem is a collective celebration of your next birthday, celebrating your life, and you. Please stay for the party. God is near to the broken hearted, you’ll never overstay your welcome.