despair

have you met despair?
locked the door, clutched your knees on the bathroom floor
cut your bangs in a rage when you hurt and burn sage
nothing works, even atheists consider a prayer

have you met despair?
force a smile like you should in receiving line miles
throw up between showings, to avoid how’s it going?
but you taste it each time they repeat “so unfair”

have you met despair?
standing alone with your thoughts and your phone
repeat his words spoken, am I sad? am I broken?
when the worst of it comes, addiction’s healthcare

have you met despair?
with her claws and her glare
she’s a waking nightmare
depression dressed in formalwear
you can’t escape her, anywhere
until
suddenly

she’s not there.