Poetry by Rowan Evans

✦ Content & Care Advisory ✦

These words dwell in shadows of grief, loss, and the ache of unseen burdens. They speak of sorrow, despair, and the fragile pulse of the human heart. Read only if you feel steady, and remember—your safety, your breath, your life are sacred. You are not alone in the dark.

✦ Invocation ✦

Before the breath stills, 
these words hang in the hush — 
not to beg for saving, 
but to name what was lost 
and what was never held.

Tip the Chair
Poetry by Rowan Evans

Noose tied, tears dried— 
I’m so fucking tired. 
Voice silent, prayers unsaid, 
it was you I was wanting, 
because you keep the ghosts at bay. 
 
Tip the chair, I’m hanging there— 
oh, the thoughts of you, 
flashing through— 
memories sharp as shattered glass, 
cuts I carry into the dark. 
 
My mind it races, 
heartbeat slows, 
lungs burning for a mercy 
that never shows— 
 
and in that last hush, 
I see nothing but 
smiling faces— 
yours among them, 
unburdened, 
untouched by this ache 
that broke me. 
 
And don’t take this 
for bitterness— 
I’m glad you’re happy, 
truly, I am…

✦ Benediction ✦

May your nights be softer than mine.
May the ghosts that stayed for me pass you by in mercy.
And if these words remain—
let them weigh less than the silence that birthed them.

🕯️ If you’re struggling, please read this:

You matter. Your pain is real. Your story is not over.
Here are some resources—because your flame is worth protecting:

🇺🇲 United States

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
https://988lifeline.org
Free, 24/7 support for emotional distress and mental health crises.

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
https://www.crisistextline.org

—

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24/7)
https://www.samaritans.org

—

🇦🇺 Australia

Lifeline Australia – Call 13 11 14
https://www.lifeline.org.au

Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – Call 1800 55 1800
https://www.kidshelpline.com.au

—

🇨🇦 Canada

Talk Suicide Canada – Call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
https://talksuicide.ca

—

🇵🇭 Philippines

Hopeline Philippines
Call: 0917 558 4673, (02) 8804 4673, or 2919 (toll-free for Globe & TM)
https://www.hopelineph.com

—

🌍 Global

Befrienders Worldwide – Emotional support in 30+ countries
https://www.befrienders.org

Suicide Prevention Wiki (International Hotline Directory)
https://suicidestop.com/call_a_hotline.html