A friend stayed by me

Like the wind, he knew my name

He gave me gifts, of happiness and friendship

The only one who always knew the rules of my game

He wasn't real. Of course he wasn't

But that isn't the point

Because as I grew older

I saw behind the trick of the coin

Break a few bones. Eat too many sweets

Spoke sweet nothings and horrible threats

Into my ears as I sleep.

Wait for daybreak––just you wait––he said.

Terrifying, utterly terrifying

A rawness that sinks into my bones.

Stranded, like an eclipse

Luminous, but all alone.