Merl Austin

This is the actual poem used for the song played/sung for our tribute to two young band students, one a good friend of mine, we lost to suicide (one on March 22, the other on April 6) at the end of the year concert.

Started out as strangers
instruments in hand
...

In class, we were told to write a haiku. i wrote what was on my mind; how sucky the weather was, and how much that reflected the emotional pain i was in.

the pain never ends
like the thunderstorms, my friend
...

When clouds come around
Life goes on
Time keeps moving
People around you keep going
...

You cried, I wiped all your tears
I’ve been with you all through your years
You say you’re all alone
Look around! I’m here.
...

My first poem, actually trying to rhyme.
Wrote this after a very moving service at church.

You were never the cause of my pain
...

Things used to be so simple
everything had less pain
and now that he's gone
nothing is the same
...

A blank sheet of paper lies before me
Can’t even begin to explain
All that’s been going on
The pain, the hurt, the tears
...

Time has come for me to forgive you
I do, believe me I do
This grudge was held too long
Months wasted
...

Pain and terror fill the room
Screams echo in the gloom
Trying to calm her he holds her hand
Only to be followed by the doctor’s last demand
...

I was asked to write a poem for the end of the year band concert at our school in honor of two band students we lost earlier in the year to suicide.

Started out as strangers
with our instrument in hand
...