And stole my attention.
Your voice calmed me,
And filled me with ambition.
Your touch comforted me,
And took all fear away.
Your mind moved me,
And showed me another way.
Your heart touched me,
And love is what came.
Your soul swept over me,
And I�ve never been the same.
Before I realize I need it.
You appreciate all of me,
Before I have time to explain it.
You stare into my eyes,
And steal the breath from my soul.
You brought new meaning to my day,
And you deserve this heart that you stole.
But you wouldn�t inflict a tear.
You could easily stand in front of me,
But you simply choose to walk near.
You never ask how I�m feeling,
But you can read into every mood.
You could force your future upon me,
But you want my dreams to be pursued.
You could interrupt any sentence,
But you take the time to listen.
You have the power to rule me,
But you refuse such a prison.
But you�re all that I am not.
You�re nothing that I expected,
But you�re all that I�ve sought.
I�ve been withholding delicate sentiments.
Feelings have been stirred from little situations.
No thought was visible to anyone else around,
But each was enough to put a smile on my heart.
I�ve felt like an invisible ghost who sits in the corner.
One that drifts in and out of special gatherings.
Some occasions are with several friends, others are just us two,
Regardless of the company there was something to be seen.
With even the most tranquil and nonchalant entrances,
I was instantly made aware of your presence.
I�ve never been sure why it was always you that I noticed,
Nor why I felt relieved by seeing a simple smile on your face.
While it seems that no one else in the world is watching,
I see the crinkles charmingly begin to gather around your eyes,
Each time you start to smile or giggle at a funny gesture.
I notice the way you can walk around an entire room,
And enjoy a conversation with every single person.
I�m impressed by how you take note of everybody�s moods,
To make sure that you can�t suppress a bad day.
I admire how you can quickly make jokes at any time,
While they�re never at the expense of another�s feelings.
I love the conversations with just the two of us,
Where all possible distractions seem to just disappear.
Most of all I have cherished getting to know you,
And being able to notice these features in your personality.
I must say that in my mind you�re a beautiful person,
And a memorable friend with a lot to offer to the world.
You take off for a long mission.
You�ve convinced and prepared yourself.
Maintain stability is your ambition.
You�re an unfamiliar face,
With no familiar ground to tread.
Don�t drown in nervousness or pity,
But reach for new adventures instead.
Regardless of country or culture,
Their people are humans too.
They don�t all have to be strangers.
It�s amazing what a smile can do.
Don�t judge others by what they are not,
But for how they can add to who you are.
By not stopping with just one new friend,
You�ll have no regrets thus far.
Expose yourself to the new culture.
Have an open mind through it all,
Making sacrifices when necessary,
Don�t limit yourself with stubborn walls.
New experiences are everyday.
So easily amazed by little things,
You�ve taken so much for granted.
A new frame of mind is what it brings.
Hopelessly astounded by everything,
Quickly trying to take it all in,
This dream life can�t be possible,
Already sad, knowing it will eventually end.
The previous moments of boredom,
Have suddenly ceased to exist.
They're the experiences of a lifetime,
That you were told not to resist.
You�re now seeing faces you know.
No matter the mood or emotion,
There are now places you can go.
You�ve reached the place you awaited.
Your comfort zone surrounds you again.
You don�t miss anything too much.
You�ve proved yourself, Corin.
Through your newly found happiness,
The excitement has never failed,
After an unexpected phone call,
Or greeting card that was mailed.
You think about family and friends,
Who are so very far away.
But you feel extremely content,
And want to extend your stay.
You�re the same person you used to be,
But drastically changed at the same time.
You�ve grown a larger respect for individuality,
And learned to accept even mine.
No lecture could have taught you.
No book would have been enough.
It�s a matter of actual experience,
And a road that might be rough.
It can only make you stronger,
And help to broaden your wings,
As you fully enjoy the pleasures,
That a life in a new world brings.
-Corin Park 3/27/02
