'Ballade of Suicide' Summary

The poem begins with the speaker contemplating suicide, weighing the pros and cons of ending his own life. He considers the arguments of those who believe that suicide is a cowardly act, and those who believe that it is a rational choice for someone who is suffering. The speaker then begins to explore the different reasons why people might consider suicide. He talks about the pain of heartbreak, the loneliness of isolation, and the despair of feeling like there is no hope. He also talks about the temptation to give up when life gets too hard. However, the speaker ultimately decides against suicide. He chooses instead to face his problems head-on, and to find hope in the midst of despair. He realizes that even though life can be difficult, it is still worth living.