when a writer uses a semicolon
they choose not to end the sentence
when they could have
however maybe it has a new place
a new meaning
for those with mental illnesses
instead of ending your story with a period
replace it with a semicolon
you chose not to end it for a reason
your story matters
you matter
your scars matter
but they don’t define you
the number of panic attacks
that you’ve had within the past week
doesn’t define you
your suicide attempts
or lack of them
don’t define you
no matter how hard it is
you kept fighting
but for some of us
it’s a hard fight
and we don’t all make it to the end
but those of us who do
are able to help others
who are in the same battle
i know it’s a hard fight
but winning is worthwhile
you will be scared
you will cry
you will break down
you will relapse
but you have to keep fighting
you have to stay strong
no matter how hard the fight is
there are people who care about you
who love you
who would miss you
i would miss you
and i don’t even know you
but i know how it feels
to feel alone
worthless
broken
and i know it’s hard
but this world is so much better
with you in it
don’t end this story
with a “.” use a “;”
don’t close the book
don’t rush the ending
of your story
keep fighting this fight
because one day
the clouds will fade away
and you
are so much stronger than you think

-StefC