Homecoming

Hello Old Friend,

I just wanted you to hear me.

I think you heard every word, but I see you now fear me.

I used to get nostalgic remembering our talks under starlight

When we idly spoke of dreams, and other things, and the world felt peaceful at night.

But today I spoke of blood and smoke, and of human violence,

and watched the widening whites of your eyes within this smothering silence.

I apologize for pretending we could carry on as before.

You say you don't condemn me; they shouldn't send me off to war.

I wanted a friend's reconnection, not hollow pity.

I now recognize you can't sympathize with the dying of a moral identity.

In grief, not guilt, I sought my friend.  That was not a confession!

No vain imagining of a simple moral or life lesson.

Don't wanna' hear soulless, canned regurgitations

Of your textbooks' and professors' second-hand explanations!

You avoid my eyes, staring intensely at the floor.

We both can list my sins, but why is it only I can list yours?

Solipsism and narcissism.

You live a predatory lifestyle, bitch you're bored and wanting more.

That's it, then.  Goodbye, Old Friend.

I feel worse having spoken, and I won't speak to you of this again.