We are all not guaranteed tomorrow
So shouldn’t we live it out?
For life is a precious thing,
not something to be wasted
on poisons or hatred.
So why do we?
Why do we, as humans,
drink, chew or smoke poisons?
Why do we bully others?
I lost a friend that way…
We had lost connection
when my family and I moved across town,
but we reconnected over the summer.
We talked about school
compared life and talked about the future.
Then I left and barely saw her.
Last year I heard about her again,
Just not in the context I wanted to.
The words still ring in my head as my friend told me:
“Erica committed suicide.”
I remember standing there in shock.
I thought my friend was kidding,
then, his face never changed.
I broke down.
My heart broke and my head scrambled for answers.
I remember feeling someone’s arms around me
as I cried black tears into their shoulder.
I just wanted to curl up into a ball
and not go anywhere but where I was.
I guess I just didn’t realize
How anyone’s life can just end
All because she was bullied at school.
I remember the visitation.
I was surrounded by friends
as I walked through the line to see Erica.
I was shocked to see such a lively girl
lie so still.
She looked so pretty…
She had her favorite leather jacket on,
her favorite stuffed kitty,
and several drawings she did around her.
As I passed I squeezed my friend’s hand
I remember being able to say one thing:
“Bye baby… I’ll miss you.”
Then I walked out of the room and cried.
More black tears streamed from my eyes
onto my friend’s shirt.
The days after were covered in big sweatshirts and hugs.
I didn’t go to the funeral…
I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle it.

Death is a powerful thing.
It can take you years from now,
or right now.
Some wait for death to knock
others think he is taking too long,
so they open the door
and meet him around the corner.

If you are jealous of someone else,
don’t call them weird,
don’t call them dumb, and just don’t bully them.
I lost a good friend
because people can’t keep comments to themselves.

Live like you were dying….
don’t die and wished you lived while you were alive.