The Golden Gate Bridge

I've been almost on the verge of obsession with an on going phenominon...the Golden Gate Bridge is the number one spot on this planet that people commit suicide. There is a myth that people from all over the world come to this spot to end their lives. The truth is that at least 85% are Bay area residents. The Golden Gate Bridge instills pride in the Bay Area residents...having such a beautiful and progressive structure that millions come to see and photograph, right out their back door. There is only a 4 foot guard rail, making it extremely accessible to end it all. The success rate is at least 98%. No one below has ever been physically hurt by the suicider's plunge. I believe all of these facts make the Golden Gate Bridge an attractive method to its residents.

With the anniversary of Kayla's death approaching, I question my life, its value, quality and purpose. At times I envy those that live in the Bay Area. They have this beautiful, accessible and lethal means to an end. If I want that, I need to buy a plane ticket...and wouldn't that look strange? Suicide takes the private pain and makes it public. If it's going to end up being public, why not have witnesses for the height of your despair and exit? But the only reason I'm in this dark place is because of Kayla's suicide. Once someone takes the plunge, the ripples their body makes in their exit goes on and on in their family and friends' hearts forever. My exit, at least right now, would only perpetuate the ripple effect of grief.

Beauty and Pain

During the height of despair

Human progression rises

Above the fog

Beautiful for many generations

Admiration for society’s accomplishments

Celebration quickly leaves

Mourning rushes in

International Orange turned tragic

Opportunity of escape

Open for anyone looking

So many battles

Tears, Anger and Despair

Thrown over

Making a final splash

The population above goes on

Family and friends collapse

Ripples from lost battles

Shake their hearts forever

sjj 2/2/2007