“I come here with no expectations, only to profess, now that I am at liberty to do so,
that my heart is and always will be...yours.”
Jane Austen

A tomb-like,
Life-threatening darkness,
Cold, clammy, and evil,
Breeds the dread
Now coursing through
My soul.
I stand alone,
Trembling in
My isolation,
Trying to be brave
Trying not to surrender
To terror
As I reach deep
Within myself
For the strength to meet
What lies ahead,
Wondering how I will ever
Endure it,
When suddenly
The darkness shifts,
Growing less oppressive,
Morphing into warm night,
Into that joyful place
I know so well.
I feel you approach,
Coming to me,
Taking my hands
And enveloping me
In the cloak of your devotion,
Chasing away the
Stink and chill
Of fear,
Lending me your strength,
Whispering tenderly to me,
Promising you will never leave me
To face the future alone,
That you love me,
Have always loved me,
And will remain at my side
Forever.
And with your words
I relax into
Your embrace,
Drawing sustenance
For the battles ahead,
Knowing,
With you near,
All will be well--
Come what may.

c. 2025