Friends

There's tension inside me
Something bursting to come out.

I can't explain it.
A rush of anxiety.

Teeth clenched.
Moving fast.

Part anger.
Part desperation.

Why did I go.
I hate going.

But it wasn't for me.
Some things we do for other people.
For the sake of doing it.

But now I'm wound up tight.
Like a rubber band about to snap.

I need to put distance between me.
I need to get away from there.

I'm moving fast.
My feet pound the pavement, mirroring my anger.

Angry at what? At who?
At no one and nothing.

I see them in the distance.
Two black shadows, with a hint of flesh-colored legs.

I walk faster.
My heart is pumping.

My fists are clenched.
The block shortens.
Almost there.

They are sitting on a bench.
I think they don't see me.

But then they look up.
I tilt my head.
I walk a little jauntier.

They see me.
They stand up.

I am almost there.
And then-
I am in their embrace.

And nothing else matters.
And no one else is there.
And my anger dissipates.

And I sit and talk.
And they get it.
In the way that only friends can.

And my problems don't disappear.
And the world is not magically 'right' again.

But everything is just a little better,
Things seem a bit more bearable,
Because I know my friends care.

And right now, that is all that matters.