returning from the storm

With innocence and shame in balance,
You lived your life in pretense,
Claiming games and cheers filled your days,
Instead of escaping in different ways.

Then a safe harbor came into view,
And you decided to embark anew.
Finally, a happy ending felt near,
Where skies and smiles were real and clear.

But the rain fell and storms ravaged on
As you tried to press the voyage along.
Your anchor turned out to be weak,
Now you are drowning in the deep.

From the hopeless abyss,
A nail-pierced hand surfaced,
Reaching out to the defeated sailor
Who had given up the will to moor.

And suddenly, the rage cleared—
The destination was here,
Where it all began,
The moment that you ran.

unspoken gratitude

Exhausted from a day’s work,
You held me when I awoke.
Struck with illness at year one,
You forced an unpracticed hand.
Reminiscing, I wept.
Did I ever care for you?

A few pennies and tired shoes,
You taught yourself to raise me.
Muting your own heavy dues,
Just to ensure I was happy.
Remembering, I regretted.
Have I given enough to you?

Broken at year twenty-six,
The day I boarded the ship.
To pave my own destiny,
Your sadness gave you away.
Reliving, I ached.
Have I ever considered you?

Frail, resigned and depleted,
Only the cold air survived.
Gazing at a house that’s empty,
You finally let go of me.
Reflecting, I grieved.
Did I ever say ‘thank you’?

Brought you home in a box
Laid you at a special spot
Dreaming if I thrum your song
That you might still sing-along
Surrendering, I sighed.
Did you know, I loved you?