I have replaced

the thoughts I once had

in those far off days of loneliness

and deep depression

I felt I was nothing

that no one cared

that I was useless

I felt as if I was

six feet under the ground

and nothing would change.

But something happened

if it was the gentle touch 

of a woman's soft skin

the companionship of my friends

I do not know

but I changed not so long ago

I felt loved

I began to care

I was confident

I felt that I was anywhere but

six feet under the grave.