Missing

Every day someone just pops out and never returns
It was out of character
Something must have happened
She left the keys in the ignition, her mobile on the seat
She hasn’t been seen since
It doesn’t make sense
Every day someone will just walk out the door and never return
They all have their reasons
Stress, money troubles, relationship breakdowns
For the loved ones left behind
Some never recover
Murder is always the first thought
Some return in time
Some return after several years
Some change identities and never return
Eighty percent of people who go missing have mental health issues
Teenagers make up the biggest numbers
The greatest tragedy in all of this is
The Police may find people after several years
The missing person will tell them they don’t want to be found
The loved ones never know this.

Reviews

[john l smith]

Easy to relate to
an ongoing saga
as you say, some return and some don't, the human condition

[Paul Bell]

Sadly true, won't change anytime soon.

[Island Hippy]

Powerfully sad, moving. A huge dose of reality, I like that you haven't minced your words Paul. Great read and very strong writing. Many mahalo.

[Paul Bell]

Sorry I missed your review.
Hey, the pup must be growing.

[Riddhi]

I actually got scared after reading..I am 17 years old and I am myself a teenager when you said teenager make up greatest numbers it sent a shiver down my spine..But what you said was truth , a harsh truth..There are many such cases..

[Paul Bell]

Sorry I didn't get back to you.
Teenage years always have pitfalls. But also have the greatest memories.

[Riddhi]

Hmm...They actually have greatest memories...

[Amit]

It is describing the truth. But It may sound better in a prose format.

[Lyn Anderson]

I am wondering if a prose format might suit this piece. In terms of content, sad, and yes, true ... however it hurts whether the family member is 14 or 40. A little known fact when someone says their family member hates them, they may not even know where they are or even that they are alive.

[Olivia Danielle]

The poem is well written, not too flowery, and talks about problems we all have to come to terms with. I enjoyed this very much.

[Paul Bell]

Thanks, Olivia. Sad fact of life.

[AYVID N]

It’s a good thing the loved ones don’t know,
they’d feel too hurt, they’d feel the worst blow
to know their beloved doesn’t want to show
This is such a tale of woe!

Another interesting write. Enjoyed! 🙋🏽‍♀️

[Paul Bell]

Yeah, that would be a right kick in the teeth.

[sette]

yes there are reasons for them.. most just want to go away and not liking to be found.. but then hard for the people who have been waiting and having difficulties moving forward with life

[Paul Bell]

Yeah, always the ones left behind.

[Chris Shaw]

Really sad that people feel that this is the only way out for them. That they can't talk to friends or family. To just disappear with no trace leaves the family left behind in turmoil, not knowing what has happened or why. Your poem is thought provoking Paul

Chris

[Paul Bell]

Some just want to get away.

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

Some of us are just missing in plain sight Paul. Some of us are just gone and that's why we don't want to be found.

[Paul Bell]

Spot on. In sight, but not really there.