Life Boat

I met a man who was down
On his luck. Drifting along in the
Sea. A man who looked depressed and tough.
A man who was in need.


I stopped my boat
And smiled at him.
He simply looked at me.
I held out my hand and said
Not a word, hoping that faith
would be.

He grabbed my hand and climbed
Aboard. Leaving his life behind.
He looked at me and shed a tear,
Then hung his head down low.

I asked him what was wrong. He said
Nothing. I looked at him with care.
He raised his head and looked at me.
Smiling from ear to ear.

I introduced myself and held
Out my hand. He stared at it
Hesitantly. He told me his name
And said he was lost. Then he hung
His head in shame.

I kneeled at his feet and held his
Chin in my hand telling him it was okay.
He smiled at me and said he was sad.
He had a story to tell.

He told me of things he had done.
Things that might make me run. He
Told me of people who had come into his
Life, and hurt him as if with a gun.

He finished his story with his head
Down and tears. Tears that stained his
Face. He told me of a port where I could
Let him go. Never to be seen again.

I looked at him and said no way.
I will not abandon you. I refuse to
Give up. I will stay and fight. Because,
Simply, I love you.


Adrienne Kay, June 2007