Saturday Night Phone Call

A kid calls - 14, not doing well, doesn't want to
inconvenience us, doesn't want us to tell her mother she called.

She's a thinker and depressed
wants to talk, but  doesn't say much.

I think what she really wants is to listen
and she's listening for an answer,
something to hold on to, wisdom...

I want to tell her that you can't think yourself out of this -
you just continue, just take the next breath, just take the next step
- one after one.

It's not plodding, it's endurance.
I want to tell her that,
but I don't.

She might find a better way.