Poem About Suicide: "A Bird Without Wings"

Content Note:
This poem touches on themes of emotional distress and suicide. If you're feeling vulnerable, please take care while reading.

If You Need Support Right Now:
If this piece reflects how you're feeling, you don't have to sit with it alone.

• In the USA, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• Visit 988lifeline.org
• If you're outside the U.S., click here for a list of crisis lines by country. 
  

Reaching out—even quietly—is a strong and meaningful step.

Why does one write a poem about suicide? It's a poignant exploration into despair, unfolding here as a metaphor.

This poem came to me as an image. I followed that image without trying to soften it. Perhaps it helps us understand the deep chaos and turmoil within the mind of a troubled soul.

A Bird Without Wings

Perched on a bridge
Was a bird without wings
Nary a whistle nor a song
The usual things

Talons clenched tightly
Around the rail
As car horns and truck brakes
And sirens did wail

The bird became skittish
As passersby drew near
Its beak silent
Yet eyes mirroring fear

For one brief moment
Hesitation did flee
And the bird without wings
Flew into the sea

© 2025 Aerwyna. All rights reserved.

Beneath The Surface

I don't think of this piece as something to interpret as much as something to notice.

The stillness, the noise around it, the brief moment where something shifts.

If it felt heavy, that's worth acknowledging.

A Gentle Pause

If you'd like to sit with this for a moment:

• What part of this piece felt closest to you?
• Is there someone you trust you could share that feeling with?
• What helps you feel even slightly grounded when things feel overwhelming?

You don't have to carry everything on your own.

Support

You deserve support beyond this page.

If this poem brought up difficult feelings, please consider reaching out:

• Call or text 988 (U.S.)
• Chat via 988lifeline.org
• Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional

Even a small step toward connection matters.

FAQs

Can I share your poems with others?

Yes! I love when my poems resonate enough that you want to share them. For personal use—like including a poem in a letter, greeting card or journal—you're absolutely welcome to do so. If you'd like to share online, I'd appreciate if you share a brief excerpt (a few lines) along with my name and a link back to this page, rather than copying the full poem. This helps other readers discover my work, which means the world to me as an independent writer.

Can I use your poems for commercial purposes?

Commercial use, adaptations, publications, or reproducing full poems requires my permission. Please contact me if you're interested in using my work in these ways—I'm happy to discuss it.

What if I just want to quote a line or two?

Brief excerpts with attribution are fine, especially if you're discussing the poem, using it for inspiration, or sharing what moved you. Just please credit me by name and link back to my site when sharing online.