Disclaimer: I don't own the quote. But I do own the poem.

Don't need to accept the challenge,

It's not to late to turn away.

But we all know you'll go to the end,

Just be careful and ignore the pain.

As long as you stay here with me,

As long as I can here you laugh.

Just don't fade away like a summer breeze,

And I'll be here when you're relieved.

Stop pretending to be gone,

Even though I know it's not an act.

I just can't accept what's truly been,

And I haven't for so long.

Every solemn moment,

I will treasure inside.

Too hard to comprehend taking everything,

And leaving the pair far behind.

Silent as a shadow,

I slip through the air.

Remembering the past,

And the memories held there.

From your butterfly mind,

To your courageous heart.

To be known as a friend,

And the best of them all.

I always thought it would be me,

Not you or anyone else.

But I know it's the very reason,

I have to let you go.

I don't know why or how,

It must end up like this.

But somehow we always were,

Just gone with the wind.

For now I take my leave,

And so I say farewell.

Your voice is slowly fading,

And I'm sad to say I cannot dwell.

Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; They show us how to live and die. -Anne Lamott