To my best friend

—

Despite the company of friends,

I feel loneliness the greatest of them all — my enemy,

My dearest, my lover — who

Through the tides, waves, and turns,

Stays by my side —

Loneliness: I have never reciprocated

My returned affection;

I have never declared undying feelings,

Or committed grand gestures

Dedicated to you

Though now,

After 22 years of accompanying me,

I may owe you one;

This: a letter,

After having written to none,

For years — I speak to you;

Loneliness,

Leave me —

Choose another victim;

Your love is suffocating;

Your cold embrace isolates me;

Your passion surpasses truth;

Your whispering drives me senseless;

Free me —

Your best friend,