Helping Me Stand

A drive down a so familiar road. We could take it with our eyes closed. And this time, I do. I know you're there next to me, I can hear you're breathing. But I cannot open my eyes to look at you. I'm too afraid. I do not want to see me. Not in the rearview mirror. I feel you take my hand. That's when one tear finds it's way from the confusion in my heart, and down my face. I hear  your words but cannot quite comprehend. Your hand wraps tighter around mine. Then I understand. "Open your eyes. Be brave. Be beautiful. Cry. Then smile. To love is to hurt. But love never ends. Just the ideas of who you love." I can open my eyes. And look at you. Look ahead. Remember the rest. My darling friend, we drive on.