Listening

Listen, he said, (Matter of fact, like discussing a shopping list) I'm wondering which is the best way To kill myself. Pills, d'you think? And get pissed? I've heard injecting air into a vein Is quickest. Hanging can be fudged Slit wrists are messy, not to mention the pain Shut up, I replied Those who speak about suicide Aren't the ones who do it I know. I was there once And I got through it Listen, he said, almost brightly They've upped my prescription So many friends have gone But not you, I exclaimed with conviction No answer, no answer. Phone ringing No speaking. No speaking I am opening the door He is curled like a foetus, my darling The silence is chilling Far too late, too late, too late At last, I am listening