The Myths and The Modern [√]

[ the best friend ]

(the girl turns the key and opens the door)

the flat they share stinks of desperation
leftover Chinese takeout in the sink
beer cans and ice cream tubs and tissues
the tv is on without anyone watching
reruns of Glee on the box, a lot of singing
she finds her best friend under the shower
wet clothes stuck to her small frame
last night's mascara running down her face
the glint of the sharp razor on the toilet lid

(the girl checks her friend's wrists)

nothing but thin red scratches from nails
the girl grabs her friend's chin
kisses her forehead and leaves
i couldn't really do it

she comes back later with a towel
wraps the shaking body into heat
steps away from her untimely demise
settles her on the bed, dries her hair
keeping up appearances has sunk
the eyes of her friend into shadows
the bad days are probably here again