Another one inspired by ABL. Not sure why he had such an impact on me but he certainly has given me lots to write about! I last saw him on Gili Air in 2016 and it was after this I finally decided enough was enough and walked away. I remember quite vividly this soap incident and also remember thinking at the time how the anti-climax of what was hidden on the bottom of the soap really summed up the friendship/relationship.

Strange synchronicity; we holidayed on the very same isle
I was there with friends, you were solo you said with a smile.

You couldn’t find a room on Gili Air so you’d have to bunk up with me;
I should have said something sarky but was too full of glee.

So you stayed and I loved it but like the shells on the beach
You’d cut and then tear; let’s face it, you’re a leech.

You found me too gentle when I patched up your finger
And at the end of it all, when I hoped you would linger

You told me again you were happy just to be my old friend
But I craved you and felt rage that just wouldn’t mend.

One night, you went out, I wanted to feel you, to capture your scent
So I found your soap in the bathroom, saw your fingerprints feint.

I wanted to use it, trace marks on myself with soap trails of you;
I wanted to feel you, to smell you; pretend you wanted me too.

I’d always hoped our friendship would morph into something far more
But you’d always pulled and then pushed; kept my self-esteem on the floor.

Anticipating joy, I turned the soap over and found…
Clumps of sodden black hair in that great soapy mound.