This poem tries to capture the pain of watching a friend succumb to addiction, bound to a destructive habit that erodes both health and hope. As one friend struggles with the limits of friendship and "agape", the other slips further and further away, lost in a cycle that breaks promises and bodies alike. This poem hopefully serves as both plea and ultimatum—a haunting look at the cost of holding on, and the strength it takes to let go.

A poison fills his trembling hand,

He walks where few can understand.

With clouded mind and heavy breath,

He steps in line towards his silent death.

 

I’ve seen him vow to end the fight,

Yet find him drunk another night.

A bitter glass, his faithful chain,

Where comfort ends, but leaves a stain.

 

I warned of risks that ran so deep,

Of death within each drink he’d keep.

Yet in his eyes, a hollow gleam—

Is he entranced, or caught in dream?

 

One choice remains, a tear to part,

To leave, though it may break my heart.

If love alone can’t light the way,

I’ll walk from where his shadows stay.

 

Perhaps in absence, he might find

The strength to loose this foe unkind.

I’ll step away to break the thread—

And pray he wakes before he’s dead.