I have this one friend.....

Sharpening knives
like fingers mesmerized
by the colored flashing lights-
They touch you.
I’ve never said a word, as you listen, strained , and weak .
It is of no surprise.
It moves you-

to some psycho-babble desperation mode,
to want so bad what no one knows-
gone in the shadows because you take too long-
here in the mind where you don’t belong.

Swim here to catch me.
So much you will not know.
Friend everlasting
in a traveling magic show.

I apologize only because it can’t be more.
It has never been your choice.
You were robbed of your teenage years
by the knife of overpaid cowboys.