Friend Shift

I'm trying to forgive my friendwho arrives like a bleederin an ambulance.

I should minimizemy exposure, as to a badvirus or too much sun.

I'm always the shadow,the "local talent," sweepingthe floor, feting her

even when my new babyhad just come home.I was gulping

cranberry ginger alesin dazed thirst to restoremyself as she uncorked

another dark-green bottle,put her thumbin the deep punt

of the heavy bell-shapedbottom, and poured herselfmore red.