Strong V. Weak

Even when you feel weak,
I know you're strong.
Life's not been kind,
It put you through the mill.
Death of family,
Shattered love,
A broken body.

We're both still young,
But you've seen so much more.
I can only live vicariously,
Only act as an outsider to your pain.

I feel the pain of watching you struggle,
Knowing I can only offer a shoulder and advice.
When you cry,
It hurts me.
When you're hurt,
I know it's time to get angry.
Not at you,
But at the reason why.

Tell me what to do,
Tell me how to help.
When you make a mistake,
How long can I try to protect you

You come off as the weak one,
I the strong one.
But what you don't understand is,
I'm the weak one,
You're the strong one.

I'm sometimes just guessing,
Hoping I'm right.
What I know is books,
Life is sometimes distant.
I see you though,
And I know,
You know life,
Because you've lived it.

That makes you strong.