AN ENCOUNTER WITH LOVE

Edged in my memory 
Throughout all eternity 
Is our encounter 
The day I stood on the banks 
Of that stormy sea 

It's voice from beneath calling out to me
It foamy waves a beautiful bed I see
But your love for the afflicted 
Won't let me be 

Like a vision fleeting twice I see
The face of an angel with eyes of sincerity 
My mind turns away from those distant dreams 
And from my inner screams you rescued me 

You did not gestured, you did not speak 
But from constrained fears my mind retreat 
In your arms my soul found wholesome rest 
And the peace I wearily sought for years 
Was found, as I laid my head upon your breast

My life like a new day dawned 
With lovingkindness 
I was pulled from the storm 

My heart filled with gratitude 
Has become alive 
Because of our miraculous encounter 
The day I gave ear
To the voice of suicide.

Wilford Barker.