A Good Soul

A Good Soul
You swallow pills and chuckle with hilarity.
Wild man, tame ol' pal.
We have conversations that rip you apart.
You thank me many a' time
You swallow your pills and vomit.
You hand your federal donation to the homeless.
Hundreds and hundreds down the hatch.
Wild man, tame ol' pal.
I see you at the hospital.
Oh' how many times?
My visits are bittersweet:
You're sober and clear,
You're shackled and imprisoned.
Inside and out--
You live your life handcuffed.
Many yesteryears ago your illness broke.
Here's a Phillips head--here's a pill;
You're still broken, pal.
Have you ever worked?
You're heart does not need to be patched.
On the familiar blue hospital bed:
You reach your hand out and squeeze mine with meaning.
A tight grip; you're pupils dilated and skittish--you're mind is broke.
A sweet smile-- I can feel you're strong soul.
Please, get well--
and give your wellness to others.