Cheer Up, Charlie

It hurt, but I could see in his eyes.

He wanted to forgive and forget,

Running back with open arms,

Bright eyes, and that naivete

That ended up with him crying

On my lap in the first place.

Don't do it, was my first thought,

Looking at those teary brown eyes

And him biting his lips as he sobbed

That he thought they were friends

And asking why they hurt him.

I've been hurt before, many times,

Always trying to be strong for him

And watching him learn is painful

But I know I didn't learn at first

Until they did something unforgivable.

My arms around him as he sobs,

I ponder what I will do when he sniffles,

Gets up, and tries to go back again.

Will I let him go to watch him fall,

Or stop him and shelter him forever?