To The Brother I Lost To Suicide (A Poem)

Losing a brother to suicide is complicated and painful. Reading and writing poems about losing a brother to suicide can help you process the pain.

In this poem, Laura, who lost her only brother to suicide, takes us on her journey of healing. She wrote this beautiful, moving, and intimate poem, and we’re pleased to share it with you today.

Losing A Brother To Suicide Poem, by Laura

If I could talk to you now, I would tell you that I am okay, I have survived with this tattooed body of scars.

I would tell you that sometimes I shatter under the weight of “only child.”

I’d tell you that you’d be proud of me, proud of the person I’ve become, which maybe only looks impressive in comparison to what I’ve gone through.

I’d tell you I don’t feel connected to the community suicide survivors. You were taken from me before you even took yourself away. I would tell you I don’t even feel connected to mental health community because you weren’t mental. You were beautiful. I’ll rename it the “beautiful health” community, you our fearless leader.

I’d tell you your smile floats in and out of my consciousness every day. I didn’t know a smile could burn so deeply in one’s psyche. Like a branding.

I’d tell you some days feel long and some days feel short, and all in all not much has changed. Yet everything has changed. I’d tell you I feel more unsure about all things.

I’d tell you people remember you. You are still active in their lives. I’d tell you I’m afraid, at times, to know that I am also just a thread in the web. Like you. That I won’t sparkle as much.

I’d tell you sometimes the veil is thin, and your touch feels silky, like melted butter.

I’d tell you not to cry for me. Because when the pieces are smashed, laid out, something new can be made. And I believe that’s a blessing; so wipe those tears, dear brother.

I’d tell you I feel more than ever before. It expands beyond this body. Which means I’m bigger.

And you’re bigger. And together, we’re the biggest.

(Photo by Susana Fernandez)

More Resources

If you’ve lost a brother or sister to suicide, you are smart to seek out resources for healing. Siblings often suffer invisibly while their parents get all the attention.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family, express yourself in poems, stories or whatever (healthy) medium feels right to you.

Please reach out if you would like to contribute your work to this site.