Culpability

You told me over Facebook

extended a friend request my way.

We had the same last name.

and I liked the way you looked intriguing.

You may have thought we were distantly related

but, I'm sorry, friend

my family's not from around here.

You "poked" me twice and said I’m here

and I "poked" you back but said nothing.

I didn't realize you were simulating human touch

and asking for my helping hand.

I'm no good at social cues.

I know you never said these things

but I know you were telling me

you needed someone to hold out for.

I’m sorry, friend.

My help came too late.

I never thought to message you.

We had one mutual friend

and I didn't know how you picked me

out of all the mutual friends in cyber space,

but you were drawn to me.

You don't know me, friend.

But I feel like I know you.

The people write on your wall.

They tell you they miss you.

You've missed birthdays,

anniversaries,

sobriety.

They let you know like you're still here.

No worries, friend.

They understand you couldn't make it.

The papers said

you passed away at 23.

And reading the article confirmed

everything you told me.

You called yourself

a misanthrope of monstrous proportions

but I knew the truth

when you told me over Facebook

that you just needed a friend.

And I’m sorry, friend,

for not being that friend