in the shadows a lone figure stands watching you he matches you stride for stride dash around a corner and she’s leaning against the lamppost dive down an alley and they’re napping against the wall realizing life is an endless game of chase but you’re the only one chasing and when the sun comes up you see you were chasing yourself because they say we all have guardian angels but those angels can be human too so show me your smile, then, if your shadow is holding you back show me your eyes, then, if your younger self is pulling you forward hear his gentle laugh resounding in your ears and know at least you will never be alone at least you will never be alone they think you’re looking out the window at the death and despair beyond but you’re staring at your own reflection encouraging, beckoning because there’s something on the other side if passing into another world means happiness if this is what it means to be crazy you say “I will follow you” because they say we all have guardian angels but those angels must be human too so show me your smile, then, if your friendship is tearing you apart show me your eyes, then, if you’re knocking on death’s door hear her brave voice resounding in your ears and know at least you will never be alone you will never be alone
For my friend J.
Happy birthday, love.
