God...that poem struck me like nothing else I have read on this site. There was so much...raw FEELING behind it...I don't even know. Your writing was just...overflowing with the guilt and the anger and the frustration. It sent a powerful message.

Tell your friend she has my sympathy. No one should have to go through that.

Also, you being there for her, even if you didn't know, probably helped her more than you can imagine.

oh god. that was powerful. and amazing.

your frustration and helplessness radiated. i hope things get better.

This is really powerful & honest. I can't imagine what your friend went through or what you're going through now..I'm sorry.

I can empathise just a little bit.

My best friend's brother committed suicide last Tuesday - they were really close, even shared a room. He and I found out Thursday. He's been pretending it hasn't happened, acting for our sake, but I can see the misery on his face and part of me hates his brother for doing this to him.

So let's be fucking furious while we wish we could squeeze the pain out of them in a hug, or whisper it away with a promise.

There is such intensity here. So intense, it was indeed (to echo the previous reviewer) painful to read... I can only imagine the helplessness I would feel if I were in your place. But I can also imagine that just being there for your best friend likely means the world to her.

This is poignant and honest. I really admire it.

Wow, this was painful to read (hopefully the intention?). I wasn't even expecting this particular revelation as I kept reading, just a bombshell. I think you did a powerful job expressing your shock at what happened to her, dismay that you didn't know, and helplessness over not being able to change the past. The stylistic effects add to these emotions.