On the Suicide of a Friend

David Anthony


"God help the kids!" I heard the neighbours say--
so quick to judge, though mostly they were kind.
They saw the sorry mess you left behind
and thought you took the coward's selfish way.

The coward's way? No, not that I can see.
Despair's a snare: they say a fox will gnaw
the foot that's trapped, and sacrifice its paw.
What desperation drove you to break free?

Nor were you selfish. Just beneath the calm,
the clouds were gathered; I have seen them too.
Darkness deceives us, and I think that you
gave all to shield the ones you loved from harm.

God--if there's a God-- will grant you rest:
you failed, we all do, but you did your best.

David Anthony