The Way Back
You met me when my life was down.
You asked me why I wore a frown.
I guess I didn’t make my answer clear.
You said there was nothing for me to fear.
You hung around without being asked.
You started to ask me about my past.
I didn’t want to tell you a thing.
I didn’t know what such action could bring.
Little by little you wore me down.
Little by little I lost my frown.
You really seemed to care.
I was feeling better before I was aware.
I finally asked you: “Why waste your time?”
It wasn’t like you were really mine.
You said: “I care because I like you a lot.”
I felt my stomach tighten into a knot.
“No one has ever said that to me.”
“My life is a mess, as you can see.”
“But, it doesn’t have to stay that way.”
“Set your emotions aside for a rainy day.”
“I would need help to do such a thing.”
“There is no magical song to sing.”
“No way to turn my life around.”
“No pot of gold that I have found.”
“I can help you find the way.”
“I will help you every day.”
“Until the day your on the right track.”
“I will always have your back.”
“Why would you even offer such a thing?”
“Is there an ulterior motive that you bring?”
“Not long ago, I was just like you.”
“Someone told me what to do.”
“I found my way out of that black hole.”
“Thanks to help from a loving soul.”
“So I want to do the same for you.”
“When you’re back, you’ll know what to do.”
So began my rehabilitation, of sorts.
She was true to her word, I can report.
I remember she said I would know what to do.
I know exactly what. I am not a fool.
———————————–R. W. Johnson—–(2016)