seeking the safe place

the joy is fragile

it trembles tenderly

a new-born notion

that everything is not

dangerously transient

that

in every magic moment

a let-down lurks

so my heart still welcomes

those well-aimed darts

that seek out the unhealed heart

those little particles of pain

where my old self still hungers --

I take my heart in hand

And still my taunting thoughts

Their history a vivid memory

Of almost-fatal falls

Yet again I dodge the daggers

Aimed at my deepest deeps

And trudge with grim resolve

To find a breathless peace

All this to make the space

for

A presence full of healing

He who restores and comforts

Who carries me some more.

Love beckons

Love calls

Love receives

Love loves.

I welcome love

I love love

And love loves me.

Still

Until I can accustom

My ever-fearing self

That there will be a time

When I will fully know

That joy is deep and lasting

That love is strong

And true

I hope he will still humour

My need to have him say

“I love you, my beloved

Just be in my embrace

It’s safe here in the darkness.

Abide, abide

Yes, stay”