Patrick Roche - Every 40 Seconds

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Patrick Roche, performing at Rustbelt 2017 in Minneapolis, MN.
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Button Poetry is committed to developing a coherent and effective system of production, distribution, promotion and fundraising for spoken word and performance poetry.
We seek to showcase the power and diversity of voices in our community. By encouraging and broadcasting the best and brightest performance poets of today, we hope to broaden poetry's audience, to expand its reach and develop a greater level of cultural appreciation for the art form.

[@jellojenna6]

"People are dying in silence because of silence." What a heartbreaking yet motivating and deeply, sadly relatable poem.

[@cosmiccuriosity1466]

I am...

[@cosmiccuriosity1466]

Dying in silence... Because of my family's silence...

[@jackpower4900]

“Suicide is a lonely ghost desperate for friends” scarily true.

[@natashaprimus4235]

Jack Power yup

[@inserttexthere1]

And guns lurking in the backgrobd

[@zb4052]

me next😞

[@marilainefourie919]

"Banging our heads against the walls, not out of insanity, but to make some noise." Damn it

[@ailiabuckley9131]

Marilaine Fourie I know..

[@lalkavictoria]

"by the end of this poem, four people would have taken their lives"... i got chills

[@undeadund34d]

Lalkaxo my mom was one of them

[@hannaaouichi4317]

Dani the Unicorn I'm sorry for your loss

[@lalkavictoria]

Im sorry for your loss 😞

[@bola4516]

@@undeadund34d I'm so sorry

[@misticalcreaturezzz555]

😭😭😭💔💔

[@KarinasaurusRexx]

"It is not a permanent solution to a temporary problem, these are so rarely temporary problems." Great piece!

[@milolastname5889]

As somebody with a chronic mental health condition, that line definitely hit a little to hard

[@samanthamelton6443]

“It is aiming for a good nights sleep after years of insomnia.” That hit me pretty hard...

[@juhikushwah7003]

I second that!!

[@apachecheyenne904]

3:40am

[@rosea.6220]

i was calm until that sunk in and then i lost it.

[@Kenny-up9no]

Hey how are you?

[@eltonb.reeves8895]

That one got me.

[@joshk1437]

"When we tell you we are suicidal, it can be a cry for help, but that's not a sign of weakness." DAAAAMMN I'm in tears at how much I identified with that.

[@beastlybinches]

Oh my god this is my fifth time watching this and after hearing him say 1 and how this isn’t a numbered poem, I finally realized that he is in fact counting the people committing suicide in his poem. He reaches 4 just like he said he would.

[@xoxo9497]

oh my god he is

[@tragedtea]

The way his hand shook when he said he wrote multiple versions of his suicide note really got me.

[@_hiraeth_]

I seriously love him so much. He makes me feel so alive. All I want is for him to be happy every day of his life & only get the best from life.

[@VinoVenitas]

"The clock keeps ticking." That line was never as hard as it was within this piece. Loved the message and passion he had while presenting it. I wish those who we have lost could have heard this.

[@lizziethompson3130]

VinoVenita

[@lukasflores4176]

Every 40 Seconds- In 2014, the World Health Organization released a report stating that at least 800,000 people commit suicide every year. That averages to 1 person every 40 seconds. Statistically speaking by the end of this poem 4 people will have taken their lives. 1. This is not a list poem. This is a eulogy for those swallowed by their own minds. This is a call to arms, a call to speak. This is not family gatherings when I mention mental health and am told not to spoil the turkey, That it is uncouth, impolite, That it is better to stay silent. This is taking that silence and breaking it with my hands, with my teeth and tongue. This is people with mental illness banging our heads against the walls, not out of insanity but to try to make some noise, to be heard. Too often we are ashamed, too often we are in the shadows. 2. Suicide is not always a banshee wailing against your eardrums, it is a child playing hide-and-seek behind your friends smile. They will not wear it openly, they cannot hold it’s hand and introduce it to you, it is always invisible. Suicide is a lonely ghost desperate to give itself playmates. It is not a permanent solution to a temporary problem, these are so rarely temporary problems. It is aiming for a long nights sleep after years of insomnia. It is the seduction of safety and simplicity. Sometimes it is careful planning; Drafting the note, Inspecting your apartment for beams that can support your weight. Or it is a flip switch given the right trigger, or no trigger at all. It is painting a target on the highway divider. It is imaging the phone call my mother will get in the middle of a nap. Sometimes it is sudden, it is not always arriving- 3. At the most convenient time but the clock keeps ticking. Every 40 seconds. This is not a list poem. This is the tea kettle rising to a soprano screech but you keep ignoring it to watch TV, It keeps whistling and crying but you keep ignoring it; How much noise do I have to make? When we tell you we are suicidal, it is a cry for help but that’s not a sign of weakness. This is not a sign of weakness. This is saying we’re fighting and and we’ve been fighting with every weapon and fist we have. We’ve crashed against the cliff side, broken and splintered, but we’re still fighting with whatever we can. I’m using my voice, it’s all I have left. 4. Over the years, I’ve written different versions of my suicide note. On the nights I almost took my life, I always deleted or threw away the note rather than sending it or leaving it for someone, I assumed the words would just make them uncomfortable. If I’m going to die, better to do it without all that fuss; better to do it in silence. Hundreds of thousands of people are dying in silence and because of silence. This is not a list poem, this is saying we can keep each other breathing. This is speaking louder than the stigma and hoping someone will listen.

[@rennamendoza8581]

Lukas Flores 😢😢😢

[@leawna333]

Lukas Flores THANK YOU

[@ryanlanuzga9246]

goodjob

[@alannahayes8132]

Thank you very very much xx

[@avameehan9282]

This was really cool but in the last paragraph you put this is not a list poem but he didn’t say that

[@shanteoldham3948]

"It is a child playing hide-and-seek behind your friend's smile" This is amazing...speechless.

[@ghosting__live170]

"I'm using my voice...it's all I have left" one of my favorite lines

[@staylucky4727]

My best friend committed suicide this past saturday through opiods. Thank You for writing this. To Mark: I hope you found the peace you so desperately sought.

[@raylyttle2952]

Daniel Aranda I'm sorry for your loss, and that your friend was expiriencing whatever they were going through.

[@gilli4899]

i’m so sorry.

[@mossmiller8050]

Daniel Aranda i found out my friend committed suicide almost a month ago. I still cry sometimes

[@kairos690]

Daniel Aranda as someone who's lost friends to suicide I understand what you're going through and hope you find peace soon, I know this must be a difficult time

[@kob22]

Daniel Aranda John 3:16. So sorry for your loss

[@hallowf13]

I'm a simple man. I see Patrick. I click. Then I cry cos of how good his writing is

[@thepelvictuner5356]

Same here ❤

[@soapy_J]

"Thousands of people are dying in silence because of silence." I cried during this poem but i want to thank him for the tears because silence never makes it go away. This is heartbreaking but i love it.

[@geodesystem]

"I'm using my voice. It's all I have left." Goosebumps, every time

[@PixelBlue11913]

When I started writing this comment, I started with, “I haven’t wanted to commit suicide in years,” and I just realized now that’s not true. I have wanted to commit suicide, I’ve just wanted to be alive more. This poem made me cry hot, raw tears I didn’t know I needed to cry. I never realized how proud of myself I am for being alive. And to each and every strong, magnificent human being who reads this, I’m proud of you too.

[@ashtynford5993]

Sarah Ford Ha hey sister from another mister. I was just about to say how I am so proud of you for being here, writing that, and just generally enjoying life more. I realised we have the same last name :) ( if that is your last name ) I’ve never gone through anything like you I have a great life and sometimes it feels selfish too say that while congratulating someone else. But just know I’m so happy your proud of yourself :)

[@PixelBlue11913]

Ashtyn Ford it is my last name! Nice to meet ya :) Don’t feel selfish about having a good life, I’m glad you don’t have to suffer. Thank you for responding to me, it means a lot. Keep spreading the positivity and kindness, lord knows this world could always use a little more sunshine. 🥰

[@tuchesuavae]

This was great. I hope he keeps living.

[@fk3798]

"Speaking louder than the stigma and hoping someone will listen" I'm in tears

[@pixelpikachu6577]

He was shaking, he was so emotional! I’m so moved

[@onetwothree1806]

“Better to do it in silence” “The words would make them uncomfortable.”

[@nem6588]

“It is not a permanent solution to a temporary problem, these are so rarely temporary problems.” Never heard words so true.

[@wynnkid28]

When I listen to his poems I feel like he is reaching into my soul and it makes me cry so hard and idk what it is that touches me so hard. It could be one word that sends me to tears. I want that boy to be happy everyday of his life. I want to be his friend. 😔😄

[@andiehuman]

the tea kettle part was so sad

[@jordynwilliams22]

patrick’s poems keep getting better and better

[@TemporalCollage]

The timing on this is insane. There's is almost exactly 40 seconds between every number. Even between the 4th and him walking off the stage (2:26 - 3:06). Absolutely amazing work as always, so happy I looked this guy up again.

[@sabrycarb26]

A BIG FUCKING ROUND OF APPLAUSE!!!!!! Thankyou so much for this poem Patrick. The world needs more people like you.

[@crazysquirrel5706]

The way his hand shakes at 2:27. I feel his pain. This poem is incredibly powerful.

[@romeok8834]

I've missed Patrick on this channel, i'm so glad he's back.

[@wtf.iswrongwithella]

"I'm using my voice, it's all I have left"..... I wrote a poem once that said " My words are all I have to offer ". Dude is amazing

[@briannahanover9299]

“It is aiming for a good night’s sleep after years of insomnia” wow homie is in our brain

[@RandyR]

The last 5 years have been my most painful time ever. So I am trusting my Higher power an not going by my senses or feelings.

[@celestet8721]

Randy R your so strong

[@thelovingsheep8706]

ive never related to someone more.. this is amazing, and a very needed message.

[@galaxyjack5802]

*hits the like button so hard I crack my phone screen*

[@sandraelizabethjoseph6748]

Hey Patrick, your poems always put me in that state where I want to cry but I'm not able to. Your poems do not metaphorize the f out of mental health issues; they are raw and depict vulnerability. And that's why I love them so much!

[@kaylaslack9276]

GOD. DAMN. I have no words for how amazing this is. This needs to be signal boosted around the world.

[@castiellewinchester2675]

God damn I love his work. I relate to him way too much and emotions are surfacing

[@fern5505]

I love the tea kettle thing because at first I thought it was him watching the tv and depression being the tea kettle

[@pansykishibe4284]

This is so sad and still so beautiful... I hope he's feeling better

[@theasmii]

Reminds of how anxiety talks make others uncomfy as if i m the weakness and not a person anymore but just an issue.

[@rumblesofrevolution]

3 years ago I tried to check out. Today im still struggling but I get to listen to this poem instead of being in hospital bed. Im trying to learn what it means to like being alive.

[@angelinagrosenick3778]

Patrick Ro- *CLICK*

[@alexwesley8294]

yes, just yes.

[@simonerowan3419]

I've never been so early this poem is amazing I love it so much

[@RegularOddball]

he gets it.

[@arlene22M]

I can't stop crying!!!! Anybody out there ..... I'm happy you're still fighting!!!!

[@ToshiJ89]

I’ve never seen and all I wonder is, why? Where have I been

[@alexandersage2054]

oh boy oh boy ive missed patrick so much

[@ambraosadiaye1639]

I most have listened to this poem from start to end at least 50 times so I don't even want to imagine how many people died in between

[@beccers1234]

I discovered this poet years ago but I always find myself coming back to his videos when I am in a dark place. his work is always breathtaking. thank you for posting.

[@lexanicoleblake5720]

Beautiful ❤

[@hallec7447]

Love Patrick I remember watching this poem a year ago "To be heard, to often were afraid" Amazing amazing poet and artist

[@maddie.bolland.7]

God he is such an incredible poet. Everything he writes makes me feel so much

[@abbijaynevlogs]

It's amazing to see how much this has changed from his original and how much he has grown.

[@isabela6882]

Oh my goodness, the each number is every 40 seconds, every time someone on average dies by suicide

[@SoulQOriginal]

I know how Patrick feels. Snaps my fellow poet. Live on. Continue to be great.

[@RandyR]

Thank You. It is a subject that can not be ignored. I have been on both sides of the track an made a video about it. Wish they would spend more money improving the Mental health system an less on death an destruction. I have tried more than once but my Higher Power kept it from going all the way. I have been around a long time and rarely have i seen a world as stressed as it is now.

[@anthonyourbrother]

Friend, don't ever give up. You got this. You are loved, It's never ever as bad as it seems. Believe in these words. Reach out if ya need. There IS resources out there ppl. Love. A whole new life. With love and sincerity. A.

[@drippingwords1927]

Best slam poet I have ever heard...such an amazing person.

[@marceline_rots]

"I'd rather do it in silence. Hundreds of people are dying in silence... Because of silence."

[@gerardwayseyelash]

The emotion in his voice is amazing

[@mikemerrill4073]

Stay alive, your freekin awesome. The world's is awesome with you here.

[@anitw8940]

Every 40 seconds 🙏🏾. I pray for everyone suffering from mental health 🙏🏾. Please also pray for me. God bless you all ❤

[@annaporter2084]

"It is aiming for a good night's sleep after years of insomnia." So much meaning in such few words..

[@aishwarya_ganapathy]

These are rarely temporary problems.... ♥ Favouriteeeee

[@phoenixbyrned3759]

I've been waiting to see more of his work! I love everything he does.

[@CorgiInc]

I am in love with is channel, so many inspirational poems.

[@rororocket]

This is everything. Thank you.

[@kurtisheinlein5301]

Love this so much

[@chopstcks]

No matter how many times I watched this, it still gets me everytime.

[@earldominic5312]

I missed Patrick!

[@Cara_V]

the way he says "I'm using my voice, it's all I have left" just really hits

[@andjelikaabuelrub1810]

Apsolutly beautiful. Well done

[@ninab3003]

this poem gave me shivers omg i love it so much

[@karimecolettadominguez]

This gave me chills.

[@xystify7973]

Hes by far one of my favorite poets. I come back to his videos time and time again

[@shaegaskin]

SO much went into this poem so much respect and love for this man

[@skyesnowflakes]

I am in tears

[@alyssaclark6342]

This was so amazing and so true. People need to hear this.

[@nadz_m8802]

he's amazing. i love him

[@MissChevious1]

Thank you for this poem 🖤🖤🖤

[@ChicaRawwr]

Look how his hands sakes. So emotional! Patrick is an amazing poet!

[@saralawlor8389]

I had goosebumps from beginning to end. Unforgettable

[@randomprofile5940]

Incredible

[@annabraun3621]

I love his poetry so much! It is so sincere and strong. My heart just melt ♥

[@demonstrateexcellence9314]

wow! im speachless

[@milenaeverette]

This is beautifully worded. Patrick is one of my favorite poets here.

[@baby0241]

Goosebumps. Seriously. Such an amazing poem.

[@AyannaCriswell]

Thank goodness he redid this. I only had the older version from years ago, and this one without that poor quality. I love him and his talents!

[@Sam-vd1md]

I love how expressive he is with his hands, you can tell he really cares about this

[@janinesanchez7013]

Wow thank you for this Patrick, your words mean everything 😭💙

[@gothtuesday7068]

Such a beautiful poem. Made me cry.

[@catelyse3641]

I have listened too this so many times I love the message it has and it is all true

[@Terres_melis]

I don't know if I should cry or give him a very warm hug. That's so good and deep. I really loved it.

[@juacey]

Man, I timed this. he puts up a new number every 40secs... This poem is amazing

[@catloversjt653]

This is one of the greatest poems ever written and I wish everyone could see this

[@alexxmorales4839]

This will always be my favorite

[@LaurenElliottt]

I've got goosebumbs