A friend 8/2009

A friend
is not
a threat or
curse
a bullet or
a rose

A friend
is not
a prophet or shrink
a psychic
who just knows

A friend
is not
a tearful smile
a hand or
a mouth

A friend
is not
a promise or
oath
a secret you found out

A net
a warmth
a steel pole
that runs through your core
from head to toe
suspended between the earth and sky
a friend doesn't end
she keeps you alive