I held back from turning to you
I held back and smiled
What gives me the strength now to stop myself from making a
mistake?
Probably the same insights I came to yesterday

I saw you again, but I didn't approach
Because it's better for both of us separately
I saw your smile,
A pure young smile that's fun to miss
How beautiful! So you care about her
You're considerate of her feelings

Yes, but I don't care in a way that will lead somewhere
It's caring that doesn't lead forward, but maintains the
status quo

I talked to a friend about her, to understand her, I put in
the effort
Maybe if I understand her I can do something
But what happens when you realize you don't have to do
anything?

Live and let live, observe from the sidelines a person who
is going through a process
And let them go through it without disturbing them.
It would be great if you could help

But once you find out you can't
Then why continue
Then you'll feel like a good person
A caring person who doesn't harm others
Who lets them live in peace
Who doesn't impose your needs and desires on them

I looked at you smiling, and I knew I shouldn't bother
And it's not about me, it's about you
So I respected you, and I didn't say anything
The art of restraint

Even when you come next time, I'll act the same
With the same restraint
With the same caring
Just watching from the sidelines