Never Let Go

These years have passed
Faster than either of us could imagine
They weren't easy
At times, it seems, I was swimming against a tide
But in the end
You were swimming against a storm

My hand was held in those days
Further back in my memory
When I stood at the gates, and watched
I saw others of my age mill around
Curious faces, asking questions
"The New Kid" my label stamped upon me

Appreciation isn't something I gave or expressed easily
At best, it came in the form of a hug
But in under the night's black cape
When the monsters of my childhood gathered close
I closed my eyes and knew
That you were closer than anything

The greatest journeys of my life
The sweetest songs I'd ever heard
The bittersweet taste that is the episode of living
It's all because of you
Time won't stop for either of us
The hands on the faded clock will always turn
Even a broken battery
Won't stop me and you from changing

The recent years
They have been the most trying
For both of us in a multitude of ways
Iron walls have been built
Between places of the heart
Those walls are strong and durable
But now I am in isolation

What I once knew is now gone
Sometimes I think
"Was it ever there before?"
I become the human waterfall
In the silence of my room
At times, not even my sacred symbols
The sweet smell of incense
The flicker of candles
Or the words of my gods
Can soothe the deep loneliness I feel now

Time will change things
And to the gods I pray
May these iron walls disappear
Mom, never let me go
Hold my hand
In my heart and soul

Please stay