A Crumpled Up Note

Dear World,

We could have saved him

From this mistake he made

Because he never felt like he belonged

Because he always thought he was a failure

Because we never let him have a chance 

Or even a friend.

He cried out for help

With the scratches on his arm

and his desires for death, written in pen 

On the classroom third row desk

We heard his words which spoke

Of release and destruction

And we only helped ourselves

Turning our heads

Not wanting to be the next target

It was easier then to just pretend his pain

Made us feel so good

When all he wanted 

Was what we wanted

To just fit in.

He’s dead now

Like so many others

Believed the lie

That it was easier this way

Pills, razor, bullet to the head

He chose to cry out one last time

Right before we let him die…

Sincerely,

Those who failed you when we were needed the most.