Codependence: a story about an old friend

The world was against us

There was just you and me

From the start of our stories

We'd never believe 

That we would grow distant

As our lives grew apart

It was all because I loved you

That you'd break both our hearts

 

And one day you told me

You hated yourself 

I swore I'd protect you

I'd be there to help

I lived to support you

And gradually

You learned I'd excuse you

You learned to use me

 

And as that year went on 

You grew more insecure

You'd give up and wither

You'd crack under pressure

I'd heal you with laughter

It seemed to make sense

So I let you make banter

Upon my expense

 

Our friends all joined in 

And I let them abuse me 

Because when you were laughing

You almost seemed happy

I lost so much sleep

Just to worry for you

But insults are insults

Your insults broke through

 

How could you not know

When you took it too far?

You told all my secrets

Ripped open my scars

You needed the world

To feel miserable too

And you couldn't stand 

That I was happier than you

 

When at last I broke down

It was finally clear

You exulted my pain

And you lived off of fear

You knew that I loved you

You know that I meant it

But now, looking back,

I was just codependent.