Lifeline and Escape

Many reasons drive people to suicide. It is unfortunate. Statistics indicate that 130 people die that way every day in the US alone. There are many agencies that try to save lives, family, friends...

Lifeline and Escape                     by Sami Khalil

The inbound and outbound waves took turns, to and fro, as he sighed along with the wind while he knew he owed a tremendous debt to the past.

What society demanded, he failed to achieve as he was written off with neither introduction nor ceremony. In his despair, disparities abounded. His milieu was highly judgmental, possessing the countenance seed of loathing, merciless, dingy. Instead of hands up, they girdled the less-fortunate with wasted stubble.

Standing at the shore’s rims, things looked hopeful sometimes, other times dim leaping back and forth in gentle quivers. He kissed the past goodbye, but regrets were tasted a freshly baked pie. Everything fell below the bar of being a star even if he willed his assertions.

He needed solace from that sinkable lot, marching towards turbulent ends. Power, greed, expectations, perpetual miscreants, traffic jams, frazzled frames in pains, helpless gains, violent endings to the declared dead, adverse reactions…

It seemed withdrawal from society was a half-way solution, blithely escaping into no fawning adoration, split and splayed in besotted death temptation.

As he rifled sighs after sighs, from his treasured chest, his conscience rippled in randomized textures; perfect strangers in cloaked coyness.

As yowls of gunshots were heard echoing the seagulls' cawing, realization dawned on me that I was in a movie theater lost in a trance. It was a dark experience in a dark place except the waves of light falling upon the large screen.

                

Reviews

[MOON]

Painful death life too full of expectations . Poignant write.

[Sami Khalil]

Hi Moon. It is indeed. Wanted to show the reality of some lives. Thank you kindly for the visit. Good to see you around.

[Tom]

Yes a little humility goes a long way, perhaps even the difference between life or death, and like a form of chinese torture, over time, the gradual taunts, put-downs, even judgmental looks collectively wore away a soul, de-humanized so much so until life felt worthless....

A sad and heartbreaking indictment on modern society, profound, articulate and contemporary in essence!

[Sami Khalil]

Hi Tom. I humbly thank you for this amazing take and wisdom shown on this piece. You have summed it up marvelously. I hope you and family are ok and doing good in these hard times.

[Einstein Noodle]

personifications are super strong in this one Sami ... i see him on the shoreline .. your poem puts me in his head and feelings. I am no psychologist nor any other medical science that delves into our emotions and psyche ... but depression (thank goodness it received the diagnosis) afflicts so many of us .. there is no control there ... having tried all else ... the "village" lets us down ... we have let it down ... i think committing suicide is not selfish, as some might say ... maybe not even an escape ... i think it is seen as the only avenue open ... one that the victim can have control over ... tragic losses ... every single one ... the "healers" among us try our best ... well done sir ... relevant, important message ... :(
E.

[Sami Khalil]

Hi sir Einstein Noodle. What a wise and powerful analysis of that condition that afflicts the millions. I have always pondered on these things. Tragic losses indeed sir whether famous poets, chefs, actors, musicians...You have spoken the truth sir. Wow. Thank you so much for the time and the sharing. Sorry for the late response for I was out and about(with mask...)

[Einstein Noodle]

mask away marauder ;))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) thank you for this poem .. its sadly always an important issue .. for all of us :(

[Sami Khalil]

Hehehe. The new reality, I guess. Don't like it at all. Take care.

[Einstein Noodle]

i don't either my friend! They aren't "all that" in my opinion. Distancing, hand washing .. and staying home if sick are more credible than mask wearing says i!

[Sami Khalil]

::::::::))))))))))

[Troy Henson]

This dives deep into the heart of many I would imagine. Such beautiful and powerful imagery here Sami. Evokes a certain emotion within me and I have but one message for anyone that is suffering.....'its ok to not be ok' but don't hide behind it.

[Sami Khalil]

Hi Troy. So glad to see you still here and around. I love your message. That sums it all up. I just heard about Elvis Presley's grandson news. Sad indeed. I hope all is well in your world. Thank you kindly.

[Sami Khalil]

Here's my earlier response to your Lifeline and Escape: I'm impressed with Lifeline and Escape. It's a smooth prose that's pleasantly absent of verbose speed bumps of big words. Furthermore, it's a very poetic and insightful view of existential angst created by judgmental cultural attitudes. Such insight is the first step toward overcoming many years of false, embedded burdens of negative self-images and despair. Well done!
Lewis Cotton of Northport, Al...

[moog-drika]

I know it's not possible to put all the reasons behind committing suicide, but you pointed out the major ones.
"He kissed the past goodbye, but regrets were tasted a freshly baked pie" I love this line. No matter how much people try to move on despite the negativity one continues to face, some of them get tired of sighing. Whenever I find anyone depressed, I know if I say don't feel like that will not help. I try to listen to them and tell them to try the things you love. Not a very effective solution all the time but still that's my approach.
This is a very poignant write you beautifully expressed.

[Sami Khalil]

Hi dear poet. I love your take on this subject. It is a good approach as you try to help. Thank you kindly for the review.

[Muse]

I've seen it too many times. And yes...you have to be there to get what rock bottom feels like. Fortunately; the light of God's love can permeate the darkest abyss. I think too many poets and poetess have concurred a similar plight. The curse of a creative mind has finally shown it's sensitive nature through your beautiful penning. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Sami Khalil]

Hi Muse! I love your take on this subject and how true and relevant. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and for all. God bless.

[ms. barrie]

your tale dives down into the oceanic depths both
vividly & with artistic sensitivity
when crashing waves of despairs from past,
the stagnated pressures of present limbos,
stitched with the anxieties of what will be, either
visits or
makes it a permanent home for those ~ so
eloquently, that...it hopefully,
makes some ponder a moment
upon others, instead of passing judgments upon those suffering.

and thus, is a true testament of your immense talent...

[Sami Khalil]

Hi Miss Barrie. Your poetic words are so beautiful. Your understanding is wise and careful. Your mighty prescience is inspiring and helpful. Thank you so much and may your pen never dry.

[ms. barrie]

you’re most welcomed, Sami, it’s always my pleasure...my sincerest thanks for your lovely words.
brightest blessings :)))

[Sami Khalil]

::::::))))))))))

[ms. barrie]

::::))))))))))))))))))18786xs

[Sami Khalil]

Hehehe.....

[ms. barrie]

:))))))))))))))))))))

[Sami Khalil]

Gracie Mille.....

[ms. barrie]

toda raba :)))))))))

[Coyote Poetry]

Many of us are seeking escape Sami.
"He needed solace from that sinkable lot, marching towards turbulent ends. Power, greed, expectations, perpetual miscreants, traffic jams, frazzled frames in pains, helpless gains, violent endings to the declared dead, adverse reactions…"
I liked the complete story and the above lines. Stayed with me. I don't worry for me, I worry for what I left for my children and my grandchildren. I hope you are doing well and thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Sami Khalil]

Hi Coyote. I can't agree more dear friend and poet. All is fine with me but as you say we care about others. Thank you so much Coyote Poetry for all. See you soon...

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed this one and you are welcome Sami.

[barleygirl]

Your storytelling is vivid & poignant & desperate-sounding, but I notice that it's expressed largely thru words that convey desperation in a cerebral way . . . how it feels when it's rolling around inside our heads, disconnected from the hearty, healthy way happy people relate, full of sensuality & sensory observations . . . no, this narrator is stuck in his head, overthinking & fomenting. This is exactly how it feels to be in the throes of depression (I'm bipolar, so I've had lots of experience). It's more a cerebral experience, even tho on the surface it may seem to be about how one feels. The futile circular thought patterns are what drive the depressed person into a howling fit & your story captures how that hammers at this person (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Sami Khalil]

Hi Margie. It is so true as you say. Your awareness is superb. Honored by your visit and sharing.