Walk the Dogs for Me, Please!

A friend calls – she is in crisis.  She is desperate for the truth; I cannot lie to a friend.

I cannot leave the house today
Because my arm is broken.
If possible, please come and stay,
Until my fears are spoken.

Please, walk the dogs, but come back soon
Because my mind is broken.
My heartstrings play the saddest tune –
I leave those words unspoken.

Can I unlearn the things I hear,
And mend my broken heart?
My head keeps drumming, ‘This time next year
Your life will tear apart!’

Please tell me this is not the truth:
He will, he will survive.
The liquid gold still fails to sooth;
He has to stay alive.

‘The way of flesh’ – my shibboleth.
I did not break a limb.
But tell me he’s not facing death.
Please tell me how to mend him.