Friend

Dear the darkness within me
you're my only friend
my oldest friend
the only one
who stays
 
Although you continue to leach my soul
I appreciate the companionship you give to me
you open my eyes to unpleasant truths
and shield me from those who could harm me
 
Even when I see a glimmer of light
you quickly smother me into place
until my breathing becomes shallow
and I slip  
               into  
                         stillness
 
Dear the darkness within me
you're still my only friend
my oldest friend
the only one
who stayed