Hello, Old Friend

Black Dog

"Hello, there, old friend. You've come to visit. How long will you be around? I hope you are not in a really bad mood. Oh...listen to me. It's all about mood, isn't it? Look. I know I can't make you totally go away. In fact, I have kind of come to enjoy your visits, which may be a real problem, but you'll have to stay out of my way. You can sit there, walk around if you want, or leave, but I won't let you destroy me. I know that is not your intention, but it's your nature. You take away my energy, and can take my hope and faith if I let you. It's just because you are all about you. You are a jealous, envious friend who does not like to see me happy with anyone or anything else. You want me to simply lie in bed, or cower in the floor with you, have a cry, or wish I could just disappear...with you. I cannot let you do that to me. You nearly destroyed me once with your obsessive, relentless nuzzling, putting your head on my lap and demanding all my attention.
You've cost me family, friends, wealth, many of my dreams, and much, much time out of my life. You made me a laughing stock at times, and an object of pity at others. People have told me you don't exist...to just walk away from you and you'll disappear forever, like an imaginary friend. I know you are real, I know where you came from, and I know you will be hiding in the shadows of my life for all my life. But in the shadows you must stay. I have things to do, and you will not stop me anymore. There are people I love, and you will not punish them anymore because of your relationship with me.
I know your little trick, too, of coming out of the shadows and acting like a normal, playful, energetic friend. It never lasts, and when I allow myself to spend time with the playful side of you, I sometimes get myself into trouble...make bad decisions. I may spend too much money on you, or throw away things I really should keep just because you get me in a good mood and I feel like nothing can go wrong...but things often do go wrong, because I'm not thinking clearly. So stay for as long as you must, but know that you are not in total control of me, because I understand you. Just be as quiet as you possibly can, and do not show your ugly side around my friends! No go lay down.
Good dog!"