If I call to play,

 

she puts me forever off.

I am the friend she wants when everyone else has gone home.

Then she calls me out in all her eagerness. Always,

I must come to her, without hesitation, lest I hurt her feelings.

Always, I must bring something, a gift that is delicious or bright.

Always, these tiny rules to make her smile, to wake her from her stupor, to rouse

her from this laziness and recognize my worth.

 

She knows me better than anyone.