Pathos

I have a friend named Calvin

who spreads shit

and tells lies

but somehow brings it back

to how much he loves 

You,

The best of friends.

Except let's be honest,

his name isn't "Calvin".

Identities have been changed 

to protect the innocent,

unlike "Calvin" who's as innocent

as he is guilty as sin.

We coddle him,

shield him from his reality,

a tacit understanding among friends.

A reticent river of deep dark secrets,

sinister insecurities only to him.

It's hard to resist pity,

until you've shared a drink

which often turns into ten,

followed by reckless abandon,

"Calvin" pushing away

the demons in his head.

9 January 2012

2200