If Michael has been there in that house

he would’ve said something

when the fire first started on my chest

he wouldn’t have let me burn alone

because he’s michael

and he’s my friend

and he’d never let anyone hurt me like that

If Michael had been there in Science class

he would’ve said something

that made you stop the fire you started on my thighs

he wouldn’t have let me burn because you couldn’t keep your hands to yourself

If Michael had been there when Dad died

maybe i would’ve had a friend

because the fire you started when you died

was never put out

but Michael made it better

If Michael had been there when i thought of the first time the fire began before i slept

he would’ve soothed me through it

because my friend Michael was always there to do it

if Michael had been there the night i held a blade for the first time

he wouldn’t eased each small fire

without hesitation

because i could always rely on him

If Michael had been there the night the fire was ready to kill me

he wouldn’t have just watched

because Michael was my friend

and i loved him

But Michael was never there.