I barred the steel bars
of my solid door,
leaving her
to freeze her arse
upon the coldness
of my doorstep.

I muffled her cries
with the expanding foam
of my ear plugs
while I strayed
into the playground of ghouls.

And from my house of horror
I finally emerged -
blood solidifying
upon my hands -
congealing in my heart.

And years of estrangement
left you seemingly ragged
but still you were there,
patiently sitting there,
your translucent fingers
clasping the bandages
to dress the self-inflicted wounds.

And while you lifted your wasting arm
and placed my head
upon your bony breast,
I heard the strength of your heartbeat
and I swore, never again,
to forsake you, my friend.