Often people say to me
"You just won't understand."
"You're way too old,"
or "Way too young," or
"YOU are not a man."
I don't know why some people feel
they suffer unique pain.
As if they are the only ones
who've lost or ceased to gain.
I don't know why they hide
their pain and clutch it ever tighter.
It seems to me that all should know -
a burden shared gets lighter.
Why some folks even deign to think
the pain that's in their heart,
Is all their own, to keep and hoard,
they set themselves apart.
They keep their eyes from meeting mine
lest I should see their hurt.
And even if we stop and speak
their words are often curt.
The Bible says: 'Two' can withstand
what overcomes just 'one'.
And also that - a 'Cord of Three'
can scarcely be undone.
Besides, I know the ways of hurt -
My heart's been crushed before.
Friends have betrayed - I've lost at love,
Despair's knocked at my door.
And I Remember - Thoughts gone wild -
And crying late at night.
Not having strength to care at all -
Much less the strength to fight.
But, someone special came to me -
And when my trials were told.
I realised that with their tears -
They'd eased my heavy load.
And so, I learned that Pain like Love
Is bearable if shared.
I don't know what I would have done
without that friend who cared.
My trials did not vanish fast
In fact the time was long.
But sharing gave me breathing space
until I could grow strong
Enough to laugh again
and even start to smile
And though it seemed it could not help
It eased my pain awhile.
So, if you think that you can't share
cause I won't understand.
At least just give me half a chance
to lend a helping hand.
For I know that you're hurting
and I know a place to start.
Perhaps if you could realize
Your pain burns in my heart.
I know I cannot make your trials
and troubles go away.
But maybe I can help a bit
to get you through today.
And maybe by tomorrow
you wont need help anymore.
But if you should. Don't be ashamed
For that's what friends are for.
And after all is said and done
The trials ceased - You're whole.
Perhaps you'll know just what to do
to help another soul
Who's being crushed by hurt and pain
be it woman or a man.
And you won't have to hear them say
"You just won't understand."
