I've listened to this a million times. You have no idea how much this means to me. I'm a new fan of yours & I have loved all your content I've seen so far. So raw, so vulnerable, so genuine, so freaking real. I love this. I love you.

0:36 The way he says, "No, I didn't". ... Damn, the emotion there. The way he makes something sound beautiful and then Admits to himself of the dark truth.

I’m with you - all those people who felt touched by this spoken word, those who felt understood while listening to this, I AM WITH YOU ❤️

I just found this today and it just hits different and his voice is so calming and perfect

This came on shuffle on Spotify. And the way I stopped in my tracks of all thoughts and just listen. I don’t think I can put together words how this made me feel. Specially in this time of life right now. Also it’s raining nonstop in La straight for the past 2 weeks. The way the rain melted in the guitar and his clamming Peaceful, voice.

Today I looked up how long it would take to drown Today I looked up how long it would take to drown How long can you hold your breath before you can't hold your breath any longer And how long until your lungs give out and the sound that used to fill the void Quiets like a mouse at midnight, searching for its piece of the pie Today I stood in front of a window and imagined what it would be like to fly, no I didn't I imagined what it would be like to jump outside the frame that caged me inside But my better judgment said it wouldn't be very kind if someone you cared about found you That's the voice that plays like a tape on rewind, rewind, rewind... It wouldn't be fair to a stranger either Today I'm reminded of the time I watched a man jump into a highway when I was just seventeen The car lights on either side of the upper portion of the AutoRoute below standing at attention Staring off into the distance Just waiting for the road to clear And the way to the comfort of their loved ones to be made Death is a strange and hollow inconvenience when you think about it There's a blank face that quickly and abruptly finds it way to all the witness something of that magnitude It's not empathy, it's not sympathy It's more of a forced intrinsic and integral self reflection Why would someone do such a thing? What could drive someone to that type of depth? Could I be driven to such depths? Would I ever be able to jump? There is no place to be soft in these moments, jump There's no time to caught in this moment, jump There's no need to believe there ever was a moment, jump Sigh, believe, relief in this moment Cause I could never be the one to be in this moment Or could I? Jump Today I looked up how long it would take to drown Do you first hold your breath? Do you exhale all of your problems and worries before casting your thoughts to the bottom Of an otherwise empty place below the poverty line of depressed thoughts And the sad calamity of a haunted house you've called home? I don't know Maybe someone out there has an answer But for now I'm still trying to come to terms of the fact That today I looked up how long it would take to drown

Your spoken word pieces are so extremely incredible

OMG Forest! I'm floored! There has never been a truer reflection of depression. I'm sure MANY people can releate. Thank you for sharing your soul with us. For myself, I know I love you for it.

He puts into words exactly how I’m feeling.. I long to be happy. This means an unbelievable amount to me as does all your spoken words and songs. I could jump.. it’s overwhelming lonely.

I was in school when I heard this today. Everything inside me simply broke. My breath stocked, I was on the verge of tears and I told my friend to care for my stuff. I went for a walk to let this text sink in for a bit. Now I'm here again and this is so meaningful to so many people, thereby me. So many people suffer from stuff nobody says out loud... Thank you for this one Blakk

I come and play this each time I feel I can’t take it anymore and it always calms me . Bless up man you have no idea the strength this provides

This leaks out emotion. It makes me cry every time I listen to it.

To have such a big heart and soul, to be able to care enough when so many don't. He reaches out when so many wouldn't, to make a difference in a world of much confusion and to give hope, I respect that in him!!!! Thank you for all you do and help spreading awareness and reaching out to those that may need someone!!!

Thank you for sharing this. I was sexually assaulted, and for three years, I found myself getting into a darker and darker internal place. When I wanted to talk, it turned more friends away. I was starting to think my feeling inside was wrong. I started to hate myself and I started to hate other people's happiness. I'm not going to say my "awakening" is by any means common, and some could argue that I was not really depressed...... but, there was a day that I just suddenly woke up and said to myself: I don't want to feel this way any more. So what will I do? So I just decided, seriously that - I decided, that the man who tried to destroy me will no longer have this effect on me. I took control back of my body and mind. Are there times that I do look back and I get upset. Are there times where I've felt alone and distressed from what's happened? Yes. But I am no longer in this dark place, and haven't been in a decade. I take nothing for granted, and I hope that others can be inspired that there is peace in yourself and others. Some will be similar to me. Many will be completely different. But I wouldn't be putting this here if I didn't believe there was someone out there who's been in such a place, and wants to know if there can be hope.

Exhale those thoughts. Breathe in the Lord. The living water.

Rest ye Abe. Love you

I have listened to this countless times and it is so relatable and I love the backing of the guitar. Everything about it is perfect and you have a great voice for it. Sometimes I need to just come and watch this video.

It's like you took the words from my mind. Sometimes it feels like life is the strange and hollow inconvenience. Thank you for giving life to these words. You spoke the words I have never had the courage to say.

Drown your pain and set yourself free! We are not alone in this world!! We are Magnificent human beings... we are sublime!!! Yes you and I!!!! 💘💘💘🌎🦋🎶🎶🦋🌎💘💘💘

Ever since I heard this, I’ve been nonstop listening to it... I’ve never felt so related to someone’s words more than this...

These words are such an accurate interpretation of depression, thank you for this, it means more to so many people than you know!

I love you, Abe. Forever and ever.

All anyone ever wants is for someone to validate them in themselves. Half of us don't get that, so we seek those who we can relate to, simply to know for ourselves that we are not the only one's out there going through something.

Thank you for saving my life, today. You've saved it before, and will, again... But for today, you've convinced my inner person to have some compassion on me, for the day. You've convinced me to keep breathing for another day. I wish I wasn't plagued with the invasive thoughts and belief that maybe he (Papaw, my grandfather, the only patriarch of my family to help raise me through a largely traumatic childhood.) maybe would have kept breathing, and not pulled the trigger. Today, I breathe. Today, I *_be._*

I'm touched and I'm blown away. Thank you for sharing these with the world, because the world needs it.

Your words are Gold. Your words are receiving speech. And your words are beautiful. This kind of art is so rare. Everyone should listen this to loved this.

I have been in a very low place recently. Recovering from addiction. This song found me when I didn't know I needed it xo For anyone here who's struggling, Just believe a little bit longer❤❤

It has been four years and i am back hearing it all.

I am an avid #MentalHealthAwareness advocate and spoken word performer, and I love this so much. I travel the country trying to bring that awareness on stages, in classrooms, hospitals, and on my KZfaq channel, so I get excited when I see other advocates. 💙❤

Thank you for making this, the feeling of being alone in the world with one's problems is what makes someone take their life.

Couple months ago, we lost a man due to a heart attack. we couldnt save him. Ever since ive felt like i didnt do enough. like I was too late. This video makes me come to term with my emotions. it hurts but hopefully it will help.

As much as this is an absolutely breathtaking verse that reaches into all of us, I think the young woman in the video deserves recognition too. An incredible, emotional performance to an extremely beautiful yet difficult piece.

"but for now I'm still trying..." man i've been slowly falling and as soon as i heard this i just let it out. I'm so freaking tired. I need a break from everything it's all just building up on my shoulders.

Godness, Forest Blakk is a poetic genius with the most soothing voice. His spoken word videos give me goosebumps, they are eternally beautiful, deep and touching. I feel every word within every fibre. This man deserves so much more recognition, he's just amazing and i am thankful to be able to see him grow. I'm truly a fan. Thank you, Forest Blakk. ♡

Another one of those Spotify gems. Guess I have no choice but to subscribe

Forest, the way you've touched my life and my best friends life is Amazing! Thank you for your words and music! - SOTA

You are incredible, Forest! Keep sharing your soul with the world. We need you. 🤗❤️

The fact that along with such personal words, you leave a personal way for people to reach you. Youre incredible. I can't believe im only now finding you.

I have been doing contemporary dance for many years and from autumn it will be my last year, I wish with all my heart to do a solo dance on this speech, I want to describe through dance the last year of my life, when I lived with the thought,, how long it would take to drown"

The line that really speaks to me is “But my better judgment said it wouldn't be very kind, If someone you cared about found you”. As someone who has felt that bad this was the thought that kept me going and to hear it in lyrical form almost a year later makes me feel pride and sadness at the same time.

Some days are harder than others, but there is always someone who would suffer from your loss. Don't make them suffer. Love this video and your words.

I needed this. I don't feel like I have anywhere to go in my mind but to dark places. I don't know how to get out. But this gives me a sliver of peace.

My sister had this song on her playlist but i guess it wasn’t enough to help her. She must have thought about the fact that her loved ones would be in pain but i guess THAT still was not enought for her. I dont know if there ever would be something to help her and if there were i wouldnt hesitate but to do that thing but.. i guess we will never know

I found this on a random youtube music shuffle and it hits so deep, it caputres how i was at my lowest and ultimately why i am still here today. (it wouldn't be kind to be found part) all those thoughts, those feeling came rushing back and i am reminded how far i have come everytime i hear it. Thank you for this.

This stopped me in my tracks. Absolutely stunning in every sense. Bravo.

This speaks to my soul and speaks the very everything I battle inside myself. Every day of my life since I was... for as long as I can remember.

I am at work. I work alone and when this came on you tube I stopped what I was doing and just stood there listening. I sat down and replayed it with the video the 2nd time. I'm almost 60 but this took me back to high school, when everything was so hard then. And not NEARLY as hard as teens have it now. I know it isn't just teens. But I felt things worse them than now. These words go deep even after all the time that has passed. But it DID GET BETTER. ❤

I can't even believe how close this gets to my heart. It really touches me,, trying to stay out of depression,, trying to stay clean. Thank you ❤❤

I cannot express with any words how valuable content you are contributing. Every time I face something difficult and somehow I find your work and it inspires me. I can not thank you enough. You saved me , once again..

No one really ever wants to Die...they just want the Pain to Stop...And Peace! ❤

Today, I thought I could hear this without crying. I couln't.

This will forever be one of my favorite songs (do you call it a song or like spoken poetry I dunno) it hits me right in the feels and it's such a beautiful work of art. You are one talented person .

You have helped a lot of people. Thank you.

I just found this gem recently. This one hits different, wow.

If I can hold on, you can hold on. Just do it. Please just do it!!!!!

Your words are so real, raw, haunting, deep and emotionally awakening - you have given so many people in silent pain a resonating voice -- beautiful. Thank you for your gift Forest.

breath taking lyric...

Please do more spoken words this is amazing!!!!!

I`m not a fan of poetry, but this is just beautiful "And the sad calamity of a haunted house you've called home" - like, damn

I found this song today. I understand every word he says and I relate to this more than anything. This has always been my mindset añd apart of my questions. It somehow made me come to peace with my sad thoughts. Thank you

Ive been in a dark spot many times in my life, at times when i was sad, at times where people were cruel to me online. Not once have i went through with something, not once, because each time i thought of doing it something stops me and i think about how my loved ones would feel, my family and my friends. I got into your songs through my sister Cassie and i am grateful :)

"today i looked up how long it would take to drown" -- damn :(

Your beautiful words speak to me, and everyone else who listens too you, your words tell the stories of our broken battling lives... I tried to take my life at the age of 15. I'm now 27 and although my son and my loved ones keeps me tethered to this world, I still have those thoughts. Now your poetry will help me through the rest of my life. Thank you so so much

I found your spoken word by accident one day and now I'm addicted... I love everyone of the videos I've found... Thank you

I am moved beyond description...everything inside of me is SCREEEEEEEEAMING and the tears won't stop 😭💔

You have helped more than you know.... people need to know they are not alone in this!

I am struggling right now with a few parts of my life. I can’t bring myself to talk about them with anyone, and I’m really close to ending everything. This poem struck a chord, and I’m using it to think. I don’t do that enough. I can’t say that it really helped for sure, but it at least gave me a slow moment to just think.

SO touching

As that last line finished....I felt like took my first breath....tears are pouring out of my eyes.....

Back to this again after a few years 😩

I have no words for this 😭💔

This makes be feel oddly safe.. when I listen to this my body breaks but makes me rethink my decisions

Wow those words and the acting >>>>

From the most beautiful thought to this and all of your love songs that melt me. You’re a true artist love everything you do.

Speechless

Oh wow Spotify recommend this song to me for this week. It's currently 1 am in the morning.... And I've got such a big déja-vu right now because I've heard this song/spoken words somewhere sometime ago and I'm just overwhelmed because I don't know when and where that was.

I used to say i died at age 9 but now i’m learning to live

You are a beautiful soul and I love you

😢 It takes less time than it took me to watch this video...a few minutes out of my life may have been someone's last minutes ever. I can't stop thinking about that. I hope instead of seeing how long it takes to drown, someone will see this @ForestBlakk...Share this video not for likes... For LIVES! someone, somewhere needs to know they aren't in this struggle alone 😢 Forest Blakk you are my hero...Those 10 digits at the end this video...may be like watching the sun break through the clouds ⛅ they were for someone I love...

I recently started listening to your music, and then I came upon this. I'm only 17, but I can relate to this so much. There's so much going on in my life, and so many horrifying thoughts. This makes me feel like I'm not alone💜

I wish if theres something bigger and greater than a like to put here 😔♥️this deserves everything

i just found this today and it just, hit me i was going through a lot and this just made me sob but in a weird it comforted me..

This. Wow.

I was at dance competition when I first heard this song. The dance plus the song gave me serious chills now I am obsessed and thank you for stating facts of real life because this is our life weather we like it or not this is our reality and I know sometimes even I need a reality check so really, THANK YOU

absolute raw, real perfection - every word.

incredible through with voice ❤❤❤❤❤

The spoken word and poetry seems such a lost art, but you have re-invented it. Love your music, but your poetry and heart are more beautiful and exquisite.

This song touches me in ways nothing ever did...Not all my past experiences with all its complications can be expressed in the way this song express the unspoken pit of emotions that I deal with on a daily basis...Because ever since I was a kid I say " I wish I could breathe underwater...because above it I choke..."

beautiful song..

This song has got me right deep down in my all my feels. I appreciate your vulnerability within your art. Thank you 💞

This is awesome!!!!!!!!

You give me a voice. Thankyou

I know this is quite old now but Ive been listening to it lately and wanted to come back and just say how incredible it is. Absolutely obsessed with your music.

This is honestly so beautiful and moving

This is a diamond! Thank You Forest Blakk

Amazing

Wow!!! You're so talented Thank you

I honestly felt this. Beautiful work. ❤

🔥🔥

This spoke to me alot thanks