Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Suicide’s Argument

Original Poem....

Suicides Argument

Ere the birth of my life, if I wished it or no

No question was asked me--it could not be so!

If the life was the question, a thing sent to try

And to live on be YES; what can NO be? to die.

NATURE'S ANSWER

Is't returned, as 'twas sent? Is't no worse for the wear?

Think first, what you ARE! Call to mind what you WERE!

I gave you innocence, I gave you hope,

Gave health, and genius, and an ample scope,

Return you me guilt, lethargy, despair?

Make out the invent'ry; inspect, compare!

Then die—if die you dare!

My rewrite....

Suicide's Argument:

Was I given the choice to be born?

No one asked me and this I scorn

Was life just a question, something to try?

If I said no, would it mean I would die?

Nature's Answer:

I gave you a gift, 

    you aren't worse for the wear

Do you know what you are 

    or recall what you were?

Ive given you innocence, 

    life, and hope

Intelligence, health, and 

    plenty of scope

You repay me with guilt, 

    laziness, despair?

Why don't you take some notes 

    and compare?

Once you've done this, 

    I don't care

Go ahead and do it. 

    Die if you dare!