by Pat Severin

This life is fraught with challenges
That seem too much to take.
Some lose their way and so they say,
“I’m full of angst and hate!”

“I’m done, and I have had enough!
Why is my life like this?
There is no point in trying now,
I’m on the precipice.”

“I’m looking down, no one’s around,
Just hopelessness I see.
This world would be a better place,
I’ll say it, “Without me!”

These thoughts or ones a lot like these
Have spawned our suicides,
A problem that’s more prevalent
That most have realized.

We have to be more vigilant
And see the telltale signs.
For often mental illness is
The culprit and confines...

The average sister, brother, and
The parent, too, I fear.
For facing this is very hard,
But these signs make it clear…

That intervention has to come.
We have to do our part,
And only then can we begin
To help the hurting heart.

A strength of faith is what you’ll need
Along with God’s assistance,
And praying for the one’s we love.
But don’t forget persistence.

So recognize you both need help.
The road is often long.
Don’t let resistance slow you down,
God’s love can make you strong.

Pat Severin is a retired Christian school teacher who serves her Lord in many ways. These have included school, church and teen ministries and her current personal ministry of creating cards that include her original poems of encouragement. These she sends out weekly to those going through difficult life struggles. 

In addition to her Christian poetry contributions to the Agape Review, she has been published in the Clay Jar Review, Thewayback2ourselves, and Pure in Heart Stories, which features Christian poetry and stories for children. She has been published in many of the Southern Arizona Press Anthologies, in the book called I Chose You: Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and their Humans and will be featured in the upcoming book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Lessons I Learned from My Dog. Pat is a member of SCBWI, the Society of Children’s Book writers and Illustrators.