I have stood by you.
Though you cast me out in the cold
and did not let me walk beside you
through your winter or laugh with you
in your spring. In the autumn
I spoke prayers to the trees
who shook their leaves
and tried to reconcile
all the lonely summers
and remember only the truth
of our one sun burning bright
through my long night.

When the angels told me you needed me
I sat by the ocean or lay down in the woods.
I cleared my schedule for the July you didn't show
to let me share your burden. I sent only
healing love to those who poison 
your mind and heart and rose above
all the pain. I will stay. I will remain.
I will not leave your side.
And when you use the gift of breath
to curse and condemn, I will whisper
the call to rise with healing
on your wings.

When the words you speak burn 
not only my ears but also consume my heart
I will rise above the heartbreak. Somehow I 
will not fail to fly free and I will bless you from 
the distance. And on the days I cannot fly
and fold my wings and hide, I will 
remember the way the eagle sees
and soars on wings that hold it all.
I see somehow you think I have
abandoned you or wished you ill or
spoken words against you, but this is not true .
I have stood by you and still
I will stand with you. And you —
you will fly.