Wayside

I cleave to your words
like a talisman to keep away
self-doubt, fears, and demons
that plague me

Tenderness, love, friendship
Heart, mind, soul
I grip them tightly in my shaky hands

Tear stained papers
Smudged with yesterday’s dust
Do not escape my grasp
Do not fall to the wayside
Of this last ditch effort
In which I stand

Heaven’s runoff pools at my feet
Intentions race by
Speeding to the next accomplishment

I cannot let go
Of the only hope I feel
Of the ray of light
Filtering down through the storm clouds
Highlighting on crumpled pieces of paper

I love you.