"Lost Traveler"

Why was it when my plans went wild awry

that I discovered strength was still within me?

Why was it when I thought my worth

so sadly lacking, that I became the caretaker

of so many kind encouragements?

Why was it when I wished to wash my hands

of all the hurt I felt my heart could stand -

I gave life all I could for

one more minute,

one more hour,

one more day?

I did not ask,

I simply knew -

I must exist.

For those who loved me even at the ebb

of Fate's receding tide;

for those who kept the faith

when I, myself, no longer could believe;

for those who lifted me to the pinnacle of my potential

when I had ceased to try;

for those who held a shattered soul in warm embrace

and asked no questions in return -

I stayed,

I survived.

Until the tempest turned the sea

to tranquil crests again,

until my peace of mind came home to rest again,

until, at last, I knew -

my presence

would be missed, again..…