I realize now
that I'm the toxic friend.
This streak of toxicity
has got to end.

Whenever I'm around
the friends I love,
I say certain things
I know will push and shove.

I've always said
I'm not the toxic one.
But I guess lying to myself
is something I find fun.

When I think back on life,
I find I'm not who I desire.
I always force myself into arguments
and into the line of fire.

This poem is more for myself
than for anyone I show it to.
I'm mostly just acknowledging it
so I can really read myself through.

I realize now
that I'm the toxic friend.
All my toxic traits
I really need to mend.