Giver and Taker

When you think that there's potential
In that poor soul called your friend,
You must be ready to lose them
As they meet their bitter end.

You can't change their world for them,
They can only change themselves.
Even when you pick up the pieces,
They'll fall back off the shelves.

I love you truly and please don't go,
But I know that you must leave.
Leave to drink up all the sorrow
I know you're required to see.

Someday you will realize
Why I fervently pushed you away.
But for now I think you'll hate me -
What else is there to say?

Though you know I'll never judge you,
You always judge yourself in the end.
Tough love is what you make it,
And I have it to give, my friend.

You will turn and you will toss
In your life that's become a storm.
But I'll be there when it's all done,
For I know you'll be hurting and torn.

For now you'll think I'm leaving you,
But God knows that isn't true.
For if you wish to keep a friend,
Sometimes you must lose them, too.