You entered my life in a quiet way
like rippling waters
approaching from afar
touching so lightly that
I could barely feel it
a hand – inviting me to share
life
I wasn’t there.
But you were.
you were always present, aware
a witness to the violence and abuse,
for the lies and the drama,
the rejection and abandonment.
I think sometimes I heard you cry
when I no longer could, or would.
Even now I ask myself, what did I do? Where did I go wrong?
but you’ve always had
your hand upon me
telling me it wasn’t my fault
though I wouldn’t listen.
there were good times – I see that now.
my reflections were poison
you were the branch thrown into the water
that made it clean
for me.
In your sight, I was highly esteemed.
I needed love but didn’t trust yours.
you never gave up. Even when
I was a wanderer
into this and that
as rebels can be.
I drifted farther and farther away
like a boat tossed about in a gale.
You stayed
storm after storm
you charted my course
from the eye of the hurricane
to a calmed sea.
you raised a standard around me,
hedged me in
and saved me from drowning,
from certain death
eternal.
You saved me
just as I was going under.
giving up
hope.
you gave it to me.
you lit a candle in the caverns of my soul
you were a light in the darkness
for me.
First a flicker
then a flame
darkness no longer draped itself over me.
I was drawn to you
attracted like the pull of a magnet
into your arms
I clung
redeemed.
One of ninety nine
I was –
forgiven. You gave me hope.
became my anchor
in fair or stormy weather
I took hold of you – with my life.
I’m surrendered to you
your love, your will, your desire.
I cannot be separated from you.
you claimed me from the start
when others rejected
you drew me into yourself
and held me
with your very life.
Joy immeasurable.
Peace-filled
I am.
Love surrounds and abounds.
I live for you. I love for you
because you
loved me first.
I give you
All of me
All in.