catapult magazine

To Another Friend

by Michelle Julianne Gallagher

I couldn’t speak, so I played and sang with you last night.
We stood close, closer than I thought we should,
The necks of our instruments intertwined.

You told me not to hold anything back,
So I didn’t. I poured it all out on this rough-made stage.
Now I’m red and rubbed raw and have nothing left to give.

The question remains: Do I have the courage to love
Not just you, but this whole world that circles around me?
They’ve all gone away, and there you are,

Singing alone in the dark. So I sit somewhat near you,
Without really knowing why. All I know
Is that love is a good thing. Love is a very good thing.