A poem for Peter

Looking down through the crack I see you
hands grasping dank wall
crumbling into your palms

You are at the bottom
and there is no hope

Echos of your tears
bounce timpani
into my ear drums

“Peter
is that you?”
I call out
pointing my flashlight downwards
illuminating golden tones
in your hair

Your head tilts up
eyes struck by my light
purifying
and baptizing you in mercy

“are you ok?”
I shout into the crack

“I don’t think so”

“Talk to me love”
A command

You look shell shocked
having found yourself
in your own personal living hell
and begin to pour out
your soul to me.

“I’m not leaving. I am with you, love”
and finally
you believe.
You believe
and you cry
your words
your truth
once so cautiously contained
finally breach the dam

“Let me carry share your burdens
until you can lean on me.”

My voice
a beacon of light
guides you
through the impasse

and into
into light
into joy
into family
into happiness

We fight
my faith, your hands
together we take nothing for granted
as the days are numbered
until together
we stumble
into light

And my arms
finally comfort you
in the love
that once
only words could offer

*Dearest Peter, once you were my angel of mercy, now it is my turn to save you. -Lesse