Peer Support Poem for FOSL 

(By Annette Covey)

In the absence of a magic wand to put our worlds to right

We’ll share our peer to peer support and hold each other tight 

We may not have the answers, nor know quite what to say

But we’ll listen with an open heart to help you find your way 

We will not make a judgment though others may have done 

The stigma cast by the uninformed it really isn’t fun

You may have witnessed trauma, felt fear and pain as well 

Felt trapped in isolation not knowing who to tell

You may have heard some unkind words about your loved ones death

The power of them though not intent you gasp and lose your breath 

Through anger, guilt and hurting we’ll lend a guiding hand

United in our Suicide grief we’ll help you make a stand

Sharing through connections along the bumpy road

Through tears of anguish and despair let’s help you share your load

Shock, disbelief and numbness some complicated grief 

Tears, laughter, mixed emotions, some powerful, others brief

At times it won’t be easy, we cannot tell a lie

Shared stories we may need to tell you’ll wish you could pass by

But walk with us, talk with us, together help us through 

Some music, poems, readings, friendships pure and true