Protected by Love
There is no rest for me this night.
The old, haunting memories
have roused me, and, edgy,
I sit near you keeping vigil.
I watch you as you sleep;
Calm and peaceful,
A slight smile on your lips;
no terrors, no scenes of horror
to keep you wakeful.
You stir, sliding up against me,
and take my hand,
holding it close to your breast.
Content, you settle back
to slumber, trusting me
to keep you safe.
My demons are gone.
The touch of your hand
has sent them back to
the shadow world to wait
until sorrow and regret
call them forth again.
For a while I am at peace,
Enfolded in, surrounded by,
protected by love.
3/29/2000