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Poetry by Rowan Evans

Tag: benediction

  • Tip the Chair: A Neo-Gothic Confessional Poem by Rowan Evans

    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.

    Gothic chapel interior with candlelight, an empty tilted chair, scattered rose petals, and curling smoke symbolizing mourning and poetic invocation.
    “Tip the Chair” by Rowan Evans — A Neo-Gothic Confessional poem invoking grief, memory, and mercy in the shadows between loss and light.

    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