THE BURDEN

Oh, the burden of being a friend

to the strong

They ask only what we can give

knowing it will take

all that we have

And they always know

what they ask

so never fail to forgive

when we fail

before the end

Oh, the burden of being friend

to the strong

To know and not understand

the brilliance

we touch and yet do not

To see pity and true sorrow

in their eyes

when they see and know

how little we can do

To stand before a magic mirror

seeing ourselves clearly held

bound at the threshold

while beyond our reach

go the strong ones

striding into a world of possibilities

Yes, they know what little we can give

when ideals become reality

but they know, too, the greatness

of our most precious gift:

We will not refuse the burden,

the burden of loving the strong.