When is it time?

When is it time to say goodbye,To all the love I've known,When is it time to end your pain,And leave me all alone?I've watched you on your good days whenI feel your strength renewed;But shortly after little ups,The down days then ensue.We ride this roller-coaster ofEmotions as we try,To make it through another day,And yet, I can't deny ...That as I look into your faceOn days that have been bad,I see a look that beckons meIt's tired, and hurt, and sad.The little spark I used to seeBehind those loving eyes,Is growing ever cloudedBy life's cruel inhumane side.I try to see beyond the painYou feel with every step;And softly whisper to myselfThis may get better yet.If I can bear to watch youJust another day or two;I justify my reasons toEnsure I cling to you.For letting go is harder forThe person left behind;It means that if I let you go,I cannot turn back time.Back to the days I long for now,When you were full of life;And every day held promise,And our futures, clear and bright.But now the lights are darkening ...We take it daily now;I cannot see our futures clearOr think beyond this cloud.I think the hardest part in thisIs never knowing why,I have to be courageousAnd I have to say goodbye.For if I let myself admitIt's time to let you go;I'd have to face realityWithout you ... but I know ...That soon I have to face theFinal outcome that I dread,And holding on will only serveTo hurt you in the end.You've given such unselfish loveFor all our time in life,But if I hold too tightly,You'll not move t'ward the light ...On to a better life, where youCan once again be free,Of all the pain and discomfortThat holds you here to me.So if I find the courage just to sayThis last farewell,I hope you will forgive me forThe time it took me; still ...I'll hold with me, the memoriesThat in my heart remain,Pray one day, down the road a'ways... They'll lesson my own pain.