I was the one you called

The one you asked for help

The first one to hear you say

“I was thinking about killing myself”

but you are you

and I thought

maybe

you didn’t mean it

So I turned the other way

“stay alive”

was my parting remark

as I hung up the phone

And then I saw your arms

A lattice of scratches

And cuts

And I tried not to cry or scream

I simply asked why

And turned you over to that quack

The ‘guidance counselor’

I am only human

A girl

Who cannot alter

Your life

I cannot turn back time

Or rearrange the stars

So that the hopeless situation

Never arose

But I should have listened

Should have taken this seriously

Should have stopped you

Should have shown that I care

My friend, I’m sorry

So sorry

I failed you