Friends

A relationship is growing
and there seems to be no end
to the things we have in common
but, I cannot be your "friend".

I will have no strength to offer
there is none for you to take
if the bank that you are building
is the same one you would break.

I cannot offer comfort
when you cry out in the night
needing someone to protect you
from the things which give you fright
for I cannot give assistance
when your enemies attack
if I'm lying in a pool of blood
with knife-wounds in my back.

Until now, you've been the teacher
but it's time for you to learn
that the friendship you have given me
is all I can return.

The term "friend" I'm not deserving
and there's nothing I can do
until the day YOU realize
you need to be one, too.

KOA