I can't give solutions to all of life's problems,
doubts, or fears.
But I can listen to you, and together we can seek
answers.

I can't change your past with all it's heartache and
pain, nor the future with it's untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.

I can't keep your feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not
fall.

Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happinesses are
not mine;
Yet I can share in your laughter and joy.

Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to
judge;
I can only support you, encourage you, and help you
when you ask.

I can't give you boundaries which I have determined
for you,
But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,
room to be yourself.

I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces
and put them back in place.

I can't tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend.

Reviews:
**** [Feb 02, 2008] by Lynda
This is a great poem to give to a child who is leaving home to go to college, or moving out own their own.

***** [Oct 24, 2005] by Shoujo
Very true indeed...

***** [Mar 29, 2005] by Y@nee
That's great... What a touching poem... :((

***** [Aug 04, 2003] by Eva
How wonderfull poem!!! I love it very much!!! I send this poem to 2 my best friends.. n they said "it's vey touching"!!

***** [Aug 25, 2001] by Dionisio
I loved it!

***** [Aug 18, 2001] by Harmony
So true, a real friend.