You Can Confide In Me Poem by Mark Heathcote

People often say to me things like
you can confide in me
We can share our problems
and make them less problematic.
A problem shared
is a problem halved, so I do.
I do so knowing that it is a form of
self-betrayal and a heathen
form of retribution. It's a stay of execution.
It's a hangman's noose
suspended on a branch of friendship
you know right from the off
is weak and susceptible to breakages,
and at some, near point in future,
the whole limb shall wither away,
but not before the rope
has been swung firmly around your neck
and tied tight to the gallows pole,
not-till-they-see-you swing
and your whole face is swollen red
turning blue hanging by a gibbet
and your last rights read
will they find satisfaction?
It's a get-out clause, plain and simple;
they want from you, and when they're done
with what's left of you, they will look
for other like-minded colleagues,
friends or family to join in with a mob's
unending rule and laughter and applause.
And whilst there, they will take
a small step back and admire their handiwork,
single out another unsuspecting poor fool
and again say to them, you know you
can confide in me anything you want.
Your deepest, darkest secrets
are honestly safe with me.
I can assure you of that.
And you know a problem shared
is a problem halved.
But sadly, in truth, these Juduses,
these beasts of burden,
can't be trusted to carry anything,
not even unto themselves.