Note: Since I watch Dr. Phil from time to time, I often see caring friends writing in to help their best friend with life's struggles. This poem is inspired by that. I imagined a letter written by a friend who is trying to help their best friend.

______________________________

"I don't know what to do anymore,"

she confided in me.

I listened to her words

as I always did.

I smiled when she smiled

I frowned when she frowned

I shed a tear and patted her shoulder

when her voice caught in her throat.

"I'm in such a deep hole,"

she shook her head.

I shook mine, too.

But it meant "No, you aren't.

You're still above ground with me.

You can still turn your life around

There is still hope for you."

She didn't hear my hope.

"I don't know what to do anymore."

It hit my chest and

"—!"

I choked for words but found none.

What do you tell a person

who doesn't see the light

even though it's right there in front of them?

"It's going to be okay."

I knew it wasn't.

"You'll find a way out."

I didn't even know the way.

"Don't worry."

How could she not?

Words of comfort

always fall short.

I listened to her,

I cried with her,

I smiled with her,

I hugged her,

I told her I loved her,

But I couldn't help her.

I am only human.

I have no superpowers.

What is it that I'm supposed to do?

What can I do?

How can I help her

dig herself out of this hole?

How can I dig her out of the lies?

I listened to her words

as I always did.

"I've hurt so many people. I lied to them I—"

her voice cracked.

"I'm glad you told me,"

I smiled, handing her a tissue.

"Even I don't know what's true anymore,"

she laughed half-heartedly.

"We're friends,

and that's true,"

I smiled with confidence.

I listened to her words

as I always did.

I struggled to do more,

I can't,

I can't—

Why can't I?

I want to help her,

But I can only listen to her words,

And comfort her,

And be by her side no matter what.

"I don't know what to do anymore."

I wish I knew—

Help me save her.

Help me help her.

Please.

Please...I don't know what to do anymore.