We were close, others closer –
Not blood sisters, pledge sisters.

Until it was too late, we
couldn’t understand the demons behind
the smiling eyes,
the infectious laughter,
the kind heart, and
the endearing soul
of a sister in the bond.

She was in torment, but
we didn’t know,
we couldn’t see,
she wouldn’t tell.
We didn’t help.

Everyone has something lurking just underneath the surface.