LISTEN

Don't turn away, when you hear cries of pain,
Actively listen, and listen again.
You need to express, you will always be there,
Someone to contact, in depths of despair.

You need to be patient, it can take a long while,
Gaining their trust, takes that extra mile.
Encourage their lead, but don't push it to far,
Showing with care, the good listener you are.

Don't overpower, or your work is in vain,
Actively listen, and listen again.
You have to be focused, all the time you are there,
Always stay positive, and show how you care.

Consider any changes, you may need to make,
Any further actions, you may need to take,
Mental health, needs supporting, you have to have tried,
Believe that your actions, can be justified.

Being opinionated, will end in defeat,
Find common ground, a place you both meet,
Actively listen, and listen again,
There may be more issues, they try to retain.

Actively listening, may sound simple to do,
Never cut corners, stay focused and true.
Asking for help, can be, a cry from the heart,
Trying to tell you, they are falling apart.

A loved one, a colleague, a person never met,
Take time to listen, if you haven't done it yet.
Reach out, to those who need you, and show you truly care,
Listen to responses, of what, has driven them there.

It should be remembered, mental health will decline,
When coping abandons, and it's been lost for a while.
There's need for prevention, when there's  nowhere to hide,
And another,  may be lost, due to suicide.

Actively listen, and listen again,
Prevention is not cure, but it's a start, all the same.
Don't get distracted, or all this, is in vain,
Actively listen and listen again.

By Lyn Mcphee
(Bereaved by suicide)