A Tortured Soul

A tortured soul
he died of his fear
family and friends loved him
held him so dear
but sometimes seemed distant
when he was so near.

The life and soul
made everyone laugh
joking at parties
his favourite gaff
but his tormented self
chose the wrong path.

To teenager from child
where to or from where
his thoughts pulled him down
thoughts of despair
but never showed signs
or gave vacant stare.

Thoughts we didn’t know
or being aware
a kind gentle soul
with too much to bare
thought all would judge
be hurtful and stare.

Started to drink
took drugs without care
mind full of torment
too lonely to bare
alone on his path
the world didn’t care.

Thought God didn’t love
heard prejudice and hate
so kept it inside
from family and mate
not knowing we knew
and now its too late.

If he just came out
of the closet they say
life would have been good
just happy and gay
his life really mattered
he threw it away.

Not willingly though
not his real choice
the world shut him out
took away his voice
should have lived on
a right to rejoice.

Society pulls down
causes the rot
the ones that do judge
for sinners they're not
they cast the first stone
that unrighteous lot.

Where do we go
in a world full of hate
say you don't fit
don't open the gate
let’s all give our love
before its too late.

D. Marsden 2022©