Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I've had suicidal thoughts in the past—as have many transgender people. This poem was written to speak to those who are struggling, to show that hope does exist, even when it feels impossibly far away.

I drew on both my own experiences and those shared with me by others. If you're hurting right now, please remember: no matter how dark it feels, things can and do get better. Maybe not tomorrow—but eventually. Time doesn't erase pain, but it does soften it. That's something I've come to believe from living through it.

We all face moments when escape feels easier than endurance. But in choosing to live, we do something powerful—we show others that survival is possible. Your life, just by continuing, becomes a gift to the world. A light for someone else in the dark.

This was my first attempt at serious poetry. If it resonates with you—if it helps even a little—I'd love to hear from you.

The Silence of the Heart
by Susan Larson

Echoes abound in the silence of the heart.
Joy cannot be found.
Memories cry out.
Tears fall down.
Love has wandered far apart.
Depression's voice resounds.

The weary soul lies down.
Despair descends.
Suicide whispers on the wind—
maybe this is the end.

The sky grows dim.
The sun slips low.
You lie in bed.
Sleep does not show.
Dark thoughts begin to flow.

The crack of dawn appears,
but rest has stayed away.
You've cried until you can't.
Yet still—you've lived to see the day.
You ask yourself, "Why?" then sigh.

But life begins to hum again—
its quiet, stubborn song.
It dares you to go on.
And deep within, you know it's true:
this choice to stay is brave, is right, is you.

The daily rhythms call,
and lift the shadows from your mind.
You rise, and breathe, and find
that healing comes in time—
love's tender wings brush your face again.

Hi this jasmine, I like your poem very much. I hope you will receve my message, you know, I am  a novice at computer chatting. I don't know if I will have a response from you, you know, I leave you only my code name, jasmine. I am new to this site, and I am happy and privilege that the poeple at Susan's Place Forum replied to me  and helped me to have access and to navigate in their site. I leave you with a big smile.

jasmine :):)

Quote from: jasmine on July 05, 2005, 11:11:46 PM
Hi this jasmine, I like your poem very much. I hope you will receve my message, you know, I am  a novice at computer chatting. I don't know if I will have a response from you, you know, I leave you only my code name, jasmine. I am new to this site, and I am happy and privilege that the poeple at Susan's Place Forum replied to me  and helped me to have access and to navigate in their site. I leave you with a big smile.

jasmine :):)

We got it. The first step is posting in the introduction forum.

Was looking on the 'who's online' page and saw this. Really touching and nicely written. Think it captures how we all feel at some point or another.
Thank you for sharing.

Nicely written Susan.

Thank you.

Sarah L.

Stumbled across this and I must say it touch my heart and gives my hope for the future.

Very nicely written.

Thank you for sharing it with us.

Janet

Thought it was a great poem

Hit home with me also

Thank You - Virginia  :icon_chick:

This poem tugs on my heart strings it's very astonishing! As an fellow poem writer I have to say this is very key.

Hey Susan, I thought this was an excellent poem.  Excellent rhyme scheme.  Use of imagery was outstanding. You should be a poet.

High praise indeed from an English major

I am one of those folks that get the dark thoughts reeling in my head when I lay down alone at night

I snuggle a pillow and tears fall as I contemplate my existence

Then I awake to another day..... good or not..... other living beings need love and care, there is always something that needs to be done and life to be lived

Again.....Thank You Susan

I was lonely
looking for someone to talk to
when I ran into your poem
Susan
I have been in that situation more and more lately
this great poem brought me comfurt
when nothing else did
Thank for this site
for I may not be here if it wasn't for you

I am a Larson

I originally wrote The Silence of the Heart in 2005 to help a struggling staff member who was facing suicidal thoughts. Like so many in our community, I've been there too—we all have, in one way or another.

The original was raw and honest, written in the language of survival. Today, I've returned to it. This updated version keeps the same emotional truth, but with more polished language and refined rhythm—something that can speak more clearly to anyone who needs it.

This poem has always been about holding on when everything tells you to let go. It's a message for those moments when you feel like you've run out of light. If these words can help someone take one more breath, see one more sunrise, or feel just a little less alone, then they've done what I hoped they would.

To everyone who's shared their story here over the years: thank you. This thread is no longer just a poem—it's become a space of connection, care, and survival.

Quote from: Susan on July 30, 2025, 07:58:08 AMI originally wrote The Silence of the Heart in 2005 to help a struggling staff member who was facing suicidal thoughts. Like so many in our community, I've been there too—we all have, in one way or another.

Quote from: Susan on June 11, 2005, 01:23:36 AMI've had suicidal thoughts in the past—as have many transgender people. This poem was written to speak to those who are struggling, to show that hope does exist, even when it feels impossibly far away.

I drew on both my own experiences and those shared with me by others. If you're hurting right now, please remember: no matter how dark it feels, things can and do get better. Maybe not tomorrow—but eventually. Time doesn't erase pain, but it does soften it. That's something I've come to believe from living through it.

We all face moments when escape feels easier than endurance. But in choosing to live, we do something powerful—we show others that survival is possible. Your life, just by continuing, becomes a gift to the world. A light for someone else in the dark.

Susan, your words moved my spirit.

They reach into a silence I know all too well, and I felt every word.

Thank you for returning to it, for writing it, and for lighting a path for others.


~ Lilis 💗