when did we become friends?
it happened so gradual I didn’t notice
maybe i had to get my run out first
take a big bite of the ***** world
And choke on it
Maybe that’s what has to happen
With  some stubborn teenagers
If it happens at all

and now
The thought stark and irrevocable
of being here without you
shakes me

beyond love, fear, regret, or anger
into the realm that children go
who want to care for,
and protect their parents
as if they could
and sometimes the lucky ones do

into the realm of making every moment important
laughing  as though laughter wards off death
Each word given
Received like the northern lights

Treasure to bury within
Against the shadowy days
When it will be the only coin I possess
with which to buy peace of mind