TO THE YOUTH WHO JUMPED OFF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE

by Steven Gulvezan

You shouldn’t have done it—
Not that saying that makes any difference…
You’re beyond any communication
Which I, or anyone, can impart to you now –
I know you were young
And humiliated…
Ashamed that lots of people saw you
Loving somebody alive and in living color…
Your parents would be hurt…
People who believed in you…
But the assholes who did this crime
Committed a transgression
Far more grievous
Than any simple need
For sex or love on your part…
You were a human being
Like everybody else
With your strong points
And weak points…
Everyone tries their best
To be someone the people they love
Wish them to be…
Those who hurt you are fools…
Their bullshit
Was so much not worth your life…
I will myself
To go back in time
And space
To talk to you
Before you jumped…
But, I cannot…
Do you understand?
I cannot…