caress of an old friend

Depression Its darkness. A cold embrace, An old friend. It welcomes me, like a lighthouse after a tragic storm. I feel her claws like a deceiving caress Her words drown me in blanket of numbness Bitterness maws at me like a rabid wolf I sleep I eat I sleep again. Praying she doesn’t invade my dreams. Too late. Grades drop faster than silence after I tell someone I’m struggling. “But you’re so happy?” The mask I wear effective. So effective I can’t breathe. I’m strangled. Ambition is an estranged family member She doesn’t call. She doesn’t care. I feel the optimism leave me like a dog let off a leash The motivation drain from me like blood by a leech I drown I drown I drown And everyone is none the wiser Depression is a mistress Sneaky and seductive And I, I am her forbidden lover.