Missing in Action

Poetry

I clocked out, I’m sorry, when I saw your call

because by then just getting out of bed

was a chore that I didn’t want to tackle

I wasn’t too keen on the social life,

whether it was in person or online,

and there was a vice on my mind

but I know I can’t say a word

because the idea of depression

hasn’t stepped into your sphere

when I say, “I’m not okay,” you nod

without really knowing why I can’t

do everything that seems so easy

all the “get well” cards in the world

fall to my empty hands, lifeless,

because you just don’t understand

you say, “let’s get together,” and

I freeze up inside, ready to bolt,

spooked like a doe in the woods

I know that “I’m fine” is easier

for you to swallow and digest

but I don’t want to sugarcoat

all I can say is “sorry” for lost time

that you wasted in worrying over

a friend who just can’t deal

I left a message on your phone,

and maybe you’ll call back

just for one last old time’s sake

Originally published at https://vocal.media.