A pretty girl
Purple-streaked hair
Because she thinks it's cool
Like Katy Perry

"I'll be a crazy cat lady"
Knit sweaters and eat Cap'n Crunch - maybe keep the purple -
When she gets old
And she's so excited about it

We all love her
Even with her inherent fear of boys
Her passionate, ear-splitting singing
And her forever mismatched socks

The happiest girl in the world
Who carves into her wrists
Many nights - alone
With the hook of her favorite Christmas ornament.

Maybe if I bury them all in the backyard
She'll stop it
And my heart won't pound with unbearable fear
Every time I think of my best friend.