I am proud of how I was, Except.

I am proud of how I was with you, Of how I would never lie to you. Of how I would never stray from truth, And how my heart stayed honest through.

I am proud of how I listened when you spoke, Giving you my time, my care unbroke. How I held your dreams as dear as mine, And stood beside you time after time. Celebrating your successes as if they were mine, And sharing your sorrows, your pain and decline.

I am proud of how I liked with all my soul, Even when circumstances took their toll. Of how I tried to make you smile each day, In little acts that showed I cared in every way.

I am proud of how I remembered everything you said, The tiniest details that most would forget. How I held onto your words like precious art, Every laugh, every sigh, etched deep in my heart. From the stories you shared to the dreams you dared, I treasured it all, showing how much I cared.

I am proud of how I kept your secrets safe, How I never judged, never turned away. Of how I tried to understand your pain, And liked you even when there was rain.

I am proud of how I prayed for her happiness every day, Wishing her joy in every possible way. With a selfless heart and no hope for me, Just wanting her soul to be nice and free. Even if the path she walks is far from mine, I hope the stars above for her always shine.

But I am not proud of how I came out at last, When the time to speak had long since passed. I should have stayed silent, let things be, Instead of stirring storms you and I would see. Why create drama when the outcome was clear, When my words would only bring pain and fear? Regret lingers for that untimely reveal, For breaking the calm when I should have kept still.

And now I look back with some shame in my heart, Although grateful for the memories we made from the start. Though it might not have been perfect, each moment was true, And from all that we shared, I’ve learned and grew