The Edge
Trigger Warning: This piece addresses suicidal feelings. I wrote it for a friend who was feeling low and was not sure if they wanted help. I shared this with them to show that I understood how they felt. They are in a good place now, and I asked permission to share this poem publicly. It also echoes some of my own feelings in the past. If you feel you are at ‘the edge’, please ask for help. There are people to support you, including charities who will listen to you.
In the UK support can be found in the following places:
Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
If you live in the US, information is at the bottom of this article. If you live elsewhere and know of charities based in your country, please share them in the responses. Let’s support people in finding the help they need.
I’ve come to the edge at last, A vast and empty blackness is below, Like a mirror to my soul, And an echo of my dreams.
Nudge me, please. Off the precipice I must go, that I may fall and look back to see you reaching out to catch me,
Will you let me go? Will you let me fall?
No light can pierce this darkness. No hope will crack this rock.
Will you let me go?
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, we encourage you to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1–800–273-TALK (8255).
This lifeline is free and confidential. It is open 24 hours a day and provides support, information, and local resources to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and those around them. Call for more information or visit www.suicidepreventionhotline.org.
