I met a stranger today
Passed him, smiled and walked away
I wish I'd had more to say
To the stranger I may today.
I remember him walking all alone
And the heavy weight that felt like stone
For the anguish his dark face had shown
Had left me feeling cold to the bone.
His face warned of his intent
Even before the gun revealed itself
Who knew his trials, of his torment
Like a flash and with a bang he went.
A note explained the suicide mess
Frustration, anger borne from joblessness
Unemployment caused his wife's sickness
He could not handle the distress.
Poverty made him end his life
Poor healthcare had taken his pregnant wife
First doomed by a rusty surgery knife
Then doctors on strike; she could not survive.
Oh! If only I had done something fast
Given more than a smile to save this man
Now a life so young has passed
This tragedy leaving me aghast.
-Achii
