Depression…

seduces him with the promise
of relief from feelings of inadequacy
by removing the need to measure himself
against his aspirations.

lets him slide into a cold bath
where he can float weightlessly in acceptance
of his failures with no need to rehash
his mistakes and shortcomings.

is a refuge from the recriminations
he heaps upon his ego – a place to
resign himself to the fate his choices
have set in motion.