Dead friend

I still have your last text

I hate being around most people

your self portraits with their varying degrees of self loathing


your need for longing

your chosen way out


like a virus through my body

into a darkened heart

I see you drive by

I see you in photos

I forget that you’re dead for a moment

climbing through dreams

emotional tremors

counting each strong arm

that hugged you when you were here

that read your words after you died

burn your art

give away that black hair