Why?

Why? Why is this all repeated?
Why must I face fights and arguments?
Why must I see this every day?
Why?
Why do you call yourselves friends-
if all you do is argue and fight?
Why must I be in the middle?

Do you see....
the pain that it brings me?
The stress?
The tears?
The hours full of blinding headaches?

Do you notice...
the times I just want
to scream
from frustration and anger?!
Because these are caused by these moments.

Do you even care...
that I put on a fake smile?
I say, "Nothing is wrong. I'm fine."
when you ask, "Are you okay?"
Why do I do this,
because I don't want to
see either of you hurt.
Or to have you be hurt.

But Why?
Why must I do this?
I am a good friend, that's why.
I listen when you come to me.
I talk when you need to be comforted.
I may seem like I can handle it,
but no longer can I keep this up.

Do you understand...
My feelings?
Do you understand...
that face I am always in the middle,
pulled from two directions
to take a single side.

No longer!
I am a middle party,
the tension breaker.
I am kind and thoughtful of your feelings,
but you still look at me and come crying,
not realizing the stress you place upon mind and heart.

But talk to me, if you so desire.
I will talk, I will listen.
I am more than willing too.
But I refuse to take sides.