Some may think it strange, but

If you don't let them change,
If you don't give them space, and
If you don't give them room to grow...
then you are stunting them.

You have hurt the very soul
you wished to heal
with your love.

You are putting a flower in a metal cage.
You are keeping a butterfly in a glass jar.

"But they fell in love,
and their love was so great,
that nothing could tear them apart

and they lived happily
ever after,

right?

I could never let them go..."

You can fall in love with a memory.

You can fall in love with a pretty picture.
and you can hold that cold polaroid to your chest
and you can say "I like this best."

but you can't lay your head on its chest,
and you can't feel its heart beating

and you can't exchange a loving glance,
something so beautifully fleeting

and you can't feel its breath on your skin,
because it isn't breathing.

They are not a moment to be stolen.

So come back here to now,
The picture is ever-changing.
pay attention —

Open that metal cage.

Let that flower blossom
for the entire world to see.
Uncap that thick glass jar,
and set that butterfly free.

You may not be with the same person forever,
but realize that they aren't yours to claim...
and they'll never be the same,
ever

So let them have that fresh air to breathe,
and give them space to fly

Let them have all the room to grow,
and you won't have to say good-bye.