I don’t love you dear, because you make me laugh, or smile, and never judge.
I don’t love you friend, because you’re almost always on my side.
I don’t love you because you make kick-*** coffee drinks, or because you don’t try to understand my pain.
No friend, I don’t love you because you’ve seen me at my best and worst or because you’ve seen me high and sober.
I love you because you’ve helped me.
Because you never ask why.
Because you found a way out of the labyrinth.
Because you pushed past the pasts.
Because you hate my pain.
Because you give everything, always, even if it means you hurt.
I love you dear friend, because you’ve struggled, lost, failed, and you’re here, pushing on.
Moving Forward.
And I’ll be there; I’ll be your mother, your sister, your shoulder, your spine.
I’ll be your guide, build you up so you can keep up, keep moving.
Because, friend, I’d only be returning the favor.
Copyright 2010 by Lauren E. Dow