The Stand

I don’t want to do this anymore

the sorrow

the pain

the tears.

I don’t want to do this anymore

explaining away the actions of others

apologizing for wrongs

I did not commit.

I don’t want to do this anymore

being the rope

in the tug-of-war

of friendship,

of who’s right

who’s wrong

of who did what

to whom.

I don’t want to do this anyone

ignoring

a sarcastic jab

or a sharp-edged glare

which

drives a spike into my heart

into my very soul.

I will not do this anymore,

being torn between battles

that are

childish bickering

but cause

adult wars.

So,

If I must take

a stand

and choose between

one friend or another

my choice is this-

not to choose.

I stand

between

but not alone

I stand

on grace.