My Ballast

You are my ballast
and those in need
of anchors
will never understand
That the hand
you let me hold
is no sign of possession
but a simple touch
that keeps me steady
That when my hands
press against your shoulders
and my lips
against your cheek
it is no lover's favor
but gratitude
for a kindness offered
that I had no right
to ask for
You will never
hold me down
tie me to port
and the heavy sea bed
Rather, with you,
I may sail
as far and as wide
as ever I could like
And when those others
in need of anchors
follow the call
of the open sea
they will leave
their anchors behind
still clutching the sand
but you and I
will leave together
You my ballast
keeping me steady
as I sail my course
and I your ship
holding you close
and shielding you
from the water's rage
For a ship
may cast off an anchor
and easily leave
but no ship like me
could ever sail
without my ballast.