It walks beside me

Creeping along like a cat

Rubbing its body against my legs

Pressing it’s face into mine

Never far from me

Depression feels like children screaming

From behind dark closed doors

Depression is the sneer at bedtime

At the mention of silence and peace

Depression is eating fast food nearly daily

Sitting alone in parking lots

Depression is a missing pair of sunglasses

Feeling the rush of endorphins

Depression is a hug that never ends

A kiss that quells your breath entirely

The pain in your lower back

It walks beside me like a shadow

My body a reflection of its effects

My heart riddled with holes

Pieces of my identity smeared away

My mind an echo chamber of lies:

Death is the answer

There is no relief

Failure is my only accomplishment

Depression is a mask I wear

Depression is a feeling in my soul

Depression is me