Portrait of a Friend

can't give solutions to all
oflife's problems, doubts, or fears.
But I can listen to you and
together we will search for answers.

I can't change your past with all it's
heartache and pain, nor the future with it's
untold stories. But I can be there now when
you need me to care.

I can't keep your
feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my handthat you may grasp it
and not fall.

Your joys, triumps, success,
and happiness are not mine;
Yet I can share in your laughter.

Your decisions in life are not mine to make,
nor to judge;
I can only support you,
encourage you,and help you when you ask.

I can't prevent you from
falling away from friendship,
from your values, from me.
I can only pray for you,
talk to you, and wait for you.

I can't give you boundaries which I have
determined for you, But I can give you the
room to change, room to grow, room to be yourself.

I can't keep your heart from breaking and
hurting, But I can cry with you and help you
pick up the pieces and put them back in place.

I can't tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend.