who am I?

just when you thought
	that I left your side
I come right back
	one thousand fold

I lift you up
	when you believe in me
I drag you down
	if you dare question my verity

empires created and destroyed
	in my good name
lives saved and ended
	because they believe in me

if you know I'm here
	then why do you beg me to embrace you?
I can only come in when you invite me
	otherwise, I'm waiting at your door
clam, cool, and ready for you

your attempts to find me
	will halt with incessant failure
I hide when you seek
and tap you on the shoulder
	only after you turn your back

stop looking for me
	just know that I'm here
for life could end in another minute
	and you might never know who I am

stop searching
	live while you are still alive
I'll find you
but only if I get to look you in the eyes
	right from the start
the approach is what I disdain
	because I like to surprise

because of me
	you hurt
	you feel
	you are as real
as much as ever

ignore me,
	and life is yours to miss
but when I find you,
	you will know
	and you will live to it