You Can Count On Me

By Malavika Baiju

I know we never wanted to be friends, to begin with

we got stuck and decided to stick together

we were never two peas in a pod

but always looking out for each other

I may not be your first option or your second when it comes to letting it out

I know you have seen nights that were too difficult to sleep through

even your days have betrayed you on occasions that were too often

yet you somehow went through it all and still go through it all

and never loudly accept what a goddamn hero you are

It’s not a clichè you did save me

Yes I know I have told you before

I look up to you, wish to have your courage and patience

I’m half the person I am because you stood by me and felt it worth it

I wish you could see what you are like a movie

Darling all your doubts will disappear like that with all your worries

I can’t be your anchor no matter how badly I wish to help you

But I can be the rope you use to get back on the boat when you’re drowning

I can be that five minute talk to lift your mood

I can that mindless gossip to distract your mood

I can be the late night poetry that makes you feel alive

I love you and just know I am here

When darkness clouds our moon.

By Malavika Baiju