To John, PhD

(Protector of Human Development)

 

Careful words

Gentle words

Searching words

Shocking words

Probing words

Soothing words

But beyond the words

My eyes watch

Probe

And wait

For time to prove your words

And to trust your words.

Your words wait

For mine to show

Signs of healing.

My fragile, happy words

Will you mistake

For strength?

Will your words

Then cease

And your eyes see

What you've been hoping for?

When I learn to speak again,

Will there still be words

To nourish

My fledgling spirit?

My past, my secrets,

My hopes and fears

Slowly entrusted

To your wisdom

So that I may

Read myself

As my life unfolds.

More lasting

Than words of a lover

Must ours be

For mine will stand

Before you

Unclothed,

Unvarnished,

Unprotected.

 

Will you keep them safe

For me?

Will your words

Reach into

Eternity?

And will you

Be there?

 

 

B. Benjamin                                                                                         

BBP120