Let It Be Known

“I want you to leave. They’re all sadists here.” — Beth (friend)

I want to leave.
I want to run –– fast and far away.
I want to scream, Come back to me!
when I visit you in that place.

Looped in memories
of childhood and fantasy.
Your once bright eyes smear
across my face with half recognition.
Meds and malaise sip
at your soul.

You say, Listen kid. I’ve always been honest with you. Leave. Save yourself.

Your mind is your jailor.
Your message in a bottle
says, Save yourself
when all I want—
is to save you.

21 years of friendship
21 years of unconditional love
21 years of finally having what felt like a mother.

Let it be known that I believe you.
Let it be known that I love you.

But I can’t save
you from the sadists,
who clean you, dress you,
and baby-talk to your once proud face.