There Was a Time

There was a time in my life when loneliness shrouded me,
So much so, that the reasons for it became obscure and forgotten;
So much so, that I gave no thought to anything or anyone else.

The emptiness only grew as I fed my heart the sorrow of being alone.
There was a time when my pain slowed down.
I gave my affections to someone and was given theirs in return.

Yet, in the end, she hurt me more than even I care to admit.
After that, the pain only grew, and my heart became darker.
I searched with futility, or so I told myself.

Had I only realized, opened my eyes, and seen
That I wasn’t as alone as I thought.
I no longer recall how long my heart dwelt in that condition.

I do remember how, unsuspecting, it found a measure salvation.
You came to me, your beauty beyond comprehension.
A light shone from within you, beginning to dispel the darkness within me.

You held me, gently nursing my aching heart.
The words that you whispered to me allowed me
To open my eyes and look at the light brimming from your being.

Without reservation, I let it enter me and fill me
With its warmth, comfort, affection, and love.

I don’t know how or when it happened, but I noticed
I had fallen madly in love with you.
I couldn’t resist your beauty, or refute your affections.

You have saved me from the pit and given me something
That before, I only dared to hold in my dreams
To love and be loved is one of the greatest things
That one can have, give, and be given.