The Choice I chose my time, I chose my way, I chose to stay, not another day. Don’t hurt yourself, don’t wonder why, I made my choice, my sweet goodbye. Cry for me not, I have my peace, Please respect my short-lived lease. It wasn’t to punish, or cause great pain, No upper hand, nor spiteful gain. It was a thought, a mood, a chance, Our worlds have changed, a circumstance. For the tearful eyes I leave behind, To make you suffer, was not in mind. I am ever near, so remember me, And the stupid stuff, that caused such glee. Take all these thoughts, and give them space, Banish bleaker ones: they have no place. And because, I trust, you love me so, You’ll understand, I had to go. I’ll suffer not, I won’t grow older, There’s nothing more for me to shoulder. I didn’t explain, I made my choice, And so this poem becomes my voice. So pray for me, I pray for you, I pray for strength, to carry you. Because I chose my time, I chose my way, I chose to stay, not another day. Amen (or whatever you believe). Jane Pallister [This is one of a number of poems available on the SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) website, but it is the one which most profoundly moved us].