Darkness Within

A lifelong friend has a troubled soul, Though sunlight flows from realms above, Inner demons rule, out of control, Robbing him of the thrill of love. Senses are hazy; Discerns are grey, Awkward to think and process thought, Taxing to act and testing to pray, Void of nerve to do what he ought. Cries in his cup of bitter darkness, Feels falling into deep abyss, Can’t distinguish between worst and best, Bad decisions lead him amiss. Sleep is the only secure escape, From agony of being awake, Wondering how much more he can take, Knowing that his life is at stake. Staggers into each and every day, Needing purpose and worthiness, Yearning for release to a new way, Where peace follows self-worthlessness. Like a shadow in well-lit doorway, Means something is impeding light, If shadow fades, it’s my friends doomsday, Leaving him naught with which to fight. I seem powerless to help my friend, Would do anything within my might, Can’t bear thinking of a tragic end, If this poor soul turns out the light.