In light of Suicide Prevention Month coming to an end, volunteer poet Cassian-Violet Wolfe wanted to share this impactful piece.. 

Content Warning: The poem discusses sensitive topics including self-harm and suicide and may be triggering for some readers.

“It’s crazy how much can change in a year,

This time last year I wrote a poem.

The End in Eleven,

The last stanza is this:

‘I’ve been planning my death for 2,920 days now

And it’s 365 days away.’

Now 345 days have passed,

My death is 20 days away.

Since grade 3 I’ve wanted nothing more than to die.

But something always got in the way.

I’d have a knife in my hand and the veins drawn across my arm,

And then my mother would call to ask me if we needed bread.

I would have too many pills clutched in my hand;

And then my brother would ask to play Roblox.

I would have been planning to die for 3,265 days,

And I then would fall in love.

So much has happened this last year that I would have never thought.

I enjoyed a kiss,

I got diagnosed,

I went to parties,

I applied to university.

I felt like the end wasn’t so definite,

The view from halfway down. 

A stupid line 

From a stupid show,

About stupid people

Doing stupid shit.

But I’ve seen the view from halfway down.

I’ve drank the poison, 

I’ve tied the knot,

I’ve tried.

But the view from halfway down is always where it ends.

Every time I’m on the edge something pulls me back.

Back up to the horizon.

And I look over the horizon,

Where the end isn’t clear…

So now I ask you to sit on the edge a little longer. 

Map out your veins even clearer,

Count the pills louder,

Live a little longer.

Because unlike me — 

There won’t always be

A pause at the view halfway down.

And living with regret,

Is better than dying with it.

I’ve been planning my death for 3,265 days

And now those 20 days left seem to stretch a little further.’”

If you have concerns about your or a loved one’s mental health, there are multiple resources on campus such as the Student Wellness Centre and support around the city that can provide attention and care suited to your needs — never hesitate to make use of them. You are loved, valued, and cared for, and more people than you think are willing to listen and help.