Cocytus

my friend elects
to embrace
his pain
more
than to let go
and take
my sometimes gently
sometimes angrily
but always lovingly
proferred hand
towards life's
little joys
and adventures.

my friend
lashes out
when i try to--
wipe his tears,
hug him quietly in company,
distract him with laughter,
open the windows,
welcome light,
and let sunshine
and fresh air in.
damned if i do,
damned-er still
if i don't.

and so i must
finally
let go;
pain,
anger,
hate,
fear,
gloom,
unlovingness,
self-centeredness,
i can break through --
but not
Despair.