I Could Never Be So Brave

...in memory of Sylvia Plath

I Could Never Be So Brave

                             

 

 

I could never

be so brave

to take my life

within my hands,

to feel it slip away

like it were sand

between my fingers.

 

to die a death

of asphyxiation,

a methodical means

of annihilation…

 

No, I could never

be so brave!

 

Reviews

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

It takes great guts and bravery to choose to let your life end and take control of the life within, such pain and sadness unexplainable to lead to that place of mind..great words🌹

[Kelly Scheppers]

Please let me know your name. It was very kind of you to comment!

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

Kelly is my name , it’s my pleasure🌹

[Lorry]

I completely agree. It isn't for us to judge what anothers threshhold is, but people do judge, especially with mental illness. Something Plath had more than her share of.
Everyone wants to give their opinion without listening to others, when they should just be grateful it isn't them.
Love the intensity and power of this piece. I might even read the other comments to see if it caused a shitstorm :)

[Kelly Scheppers]

Lol, those kind of storms happen periodically around here, along with the technical stuff that goes a little haywire every now and then. Thank you for seeing the side of this I wanted my readers to see, Lorry!

[Alexa Apothic Red]

I agree with another reviewer here that it is much more brave to face the realities and pains in this life. I think it is only natural for us with the convenience of our living state to contemplate death and its various means, to understand the temporary natures of our lives and to respect the frailty and delicate power of remaining alive. It all hangs in the balance at every moment, and none of us are promised tomorrow.. today ought to be your best day ever.... every day, filled with succulent passions, vibrant experiences and vivid sensual endeavors.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Alexa, for a most profound review. Words indeed to live by and hang a star upon!

[Alexa Apothic Red]

You're most welcome! I try to as much as possible!

[Pete]

awesome write Kelly. i wonder how many of us have never contemplated it at least once?

"I have heard a good many pretend that they are going to die; or that they have died, for aught that I know. Nonsense! I'll defy them to do it. They have n't got life enough in them.... Only half a dozen or so have died since the world began." - Thoreau

[Kelly Scheppers]

Great question, Pete! Thank you so much.

[Alexa Apothic Red]

I just LOVE Thoreau!!

[Lydia Shutter]

Brave....I don't think suicide is brave. A very close friend of ours committed suicide by asphyxiation and it was horrible to say the least. I am glad you could never do such a thing. I think it is braver to continue to live and make it in this world. Powerful poetry. Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

...thank you, Lydi. I intend to be around for quite some time! ; )

[Lydia Shutter]

I certainly hope so!

[Will Neill]

A beautiful poem Kelly as always. I myself believe it takes a lot of courage to commit suicide or be in such a dark place that all rational reasoning is ignored. If you don't mind I will post a favourite poem of mine by Robert William Service-a poet who wrote a lot about the first world war. The poem is called-'Each day a life'
I count each day a little life,
With birth and death complete;
I cloister it from care and strife
And keep it sane and sweet.
With eager eyes I greet the morn,
Exultant as a boy,
Knowing that I am newly born
To wonder and to joy.
And when the sunset splendours wane
And ripe for rest am I,
Knowing that I will live again,
Exultantly I die.
O that all Life were but a Day
Sunny and sweet and sane!
And that at Even I might say:
"I sleep to wake again."
I think you will understand how he celebrates each day as special and worth waking for.
-5 star write Kelly.
Will

[Kelly Scheppers]

My heart is overwhelmed by the weight of this review. Thank you, Will, for sharing this poem. Its message is one we all need to hear!

[barleygirl]

I've been suicidal half my life, but I always knew I didn't have what it takes to do what you're saying here. You've stated it so simply & so vividly -- it's the thing that has stopped me & forced me to find reasons to live. Even tho it sounds dire, it can be a good thing (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Kelly Scheppers]

My dear Margie, write me anytime, and I shall be delighted to give you reasons to live! Thank you for a most poignant review. (((hugs))) Kelly

[barleygirl]

You are a sweetheart! I've gotten over my lifelong depression finally (naturally) at age 61! But thanks for caring!

[Samuel Dickens]

May there never be enough despair and hopelessness to cause you or anyone else to do such a thing. We all know it happens, of course. Sometimes just a smile or small kind deed is enough to pull someone back from that terrible place.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Sam. The kindness of your words bring me much joy! Good to see you!

[Ruth]

Me neither, though I'd be dishonest to say I hadn't thought of it but love pulls me back...knowing I am here to bring light and learn...I am not sure there is bravery in her death but there is sure a wishing that such people could reach out more to others...beautifully done hon xx

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your honesty is the one thing I've come to know you for, and I sincerely appreciate it! Thank you, Poppy! x

[olympiuslu]

"To feel it slip away like it were sand" I love this line, it is so profound. I feel like you have really captured the powerlessness many people may feel throughout their lives and how for some, suicide may be their only way of gaining any power. I feel like this is almost like a tribute to people who have lost their lives to suicide. If so, this is so important as we need to make people realize that talking about suicide is ok. We need to help people to heal and for some people reading and writing helps! Overall, I enjoyed this so well done!

[Kelly Scheppers]

The weight of your words drive home a most important message, and for that, I thank you most kindly!