Author Information
We Used to Be Friends
We used to be friends
before you started smellin' yo' self—
before you realized what I had
been saying all along—
that you're beautiful—
that you're talented—
that you're special.
I guess it sounds better coming from other people.
We used to be friends—
before you realized that my strength
was what attracted you
and when I lost that strength,
I wasn't so attractive anymore.
You found strength in others.
We used to be friends—
at "movie time" and "club time"
but when you realized you had to pay for my ticket
because my money was short
and when I didn't want to smell like smoke anymore—
you found new "friends" to party with.
We used to be friends—
before you walked all over me,
told everybody my business,
called when you felt like it and
used me-cause you knew I'd let you.
And now you don't understand
why we can't be friends.
It's because I like—correction—
I love myself.
I love myself too much to let you break my heart
then run and show your new "friends" the pieces.
I love myself too much to get out of my bed,
and drive miles just to bring you lunch,
because your new "friend" doesn't have a car.
I love myself enough to know, you don't love me
and you probably never did.
I love myself enough to know that I was the strong one.
While I was crying and "growing" through the pain,
I didn't chase after new "friends",
to ease or replace—but you did and still are.
I love myself enough to know that when it's over, it's over.
We used to be friends,
that is before I let go of life
because I couldn't hold on to you.
But what I realized is that the only friend I
every really had, stood by me,
when you wouldn't, couldn't and didn't.
He held my hand and told me everything
was gonna be alright.
He is attracted to my strength,
but my weakness is made perfect in Him.
He travels with me when I go out
and when I come in.
My money is never short with Him,
because He does exceedingly and abundantly
above all I could as or think.
I would drive to the end of the earth
to give Him a meal, but He won't tell me when He's hungry.
He never walks over me—
just beside me.
I can talk to him whenever I want
and even when I don't want to.
I want to be used by Him and
I wouldn't have it any other way.
My heart is His to show off as He pleases.
He loves me so much, He sent His "only" for me.
I could never find another love like His.
He was there when I let go of life.
He picked it up, dusted it off, then He said
"Try again, It ain't over, 'til I say it's over".
He loved me enough to let me know
I didn't have to be "I", I could be "us"
and still not lose "me"
Yeah, we used to be friends,
but that was before He showed me what
true friendship is really all about.
Kaya Nailah Davis ©2000
