Sometimes I have a way with words. Words are my gift to you. This poem is a thank-you gift dear friends.
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When I told my story, you listened with your heart.

When I cry, you let me cry, you touch me, and I am safe.
While melting into a puddle of strange emotion, you contain me.
You tell and show me I can expose sharp terror, and it is OK when you are with me.
When a demon from before that will not die, screamed at me,
Judged me, condemned and blames me forever it seems,
Your caring chases it away for now.

I hurt more than ever I have.
I am confused, and scared, and very small inside.
I see you in the threads and read your joyful posts, and I smile,
You let me know somehow that it is all right for me to be here.
You remind me to live.
I can be small inside with you. After all the years, I can be small.
I can cry.

I don’t know what is happening, why, or why now.
At any time, at or away from work, for no reason, my eyes water,
My body gets tight; I feel sadness and sorrow overwhelming.
And I cry.
Still, I don’t know why. I don’t know why!
I do know that I am safe here. I am safe with you. I am safe.
And I can cry.

I may come together next week or blow apart tomorrow.
One of the best feelings I have now results from knowing that whatever
Happens, can happen here, with you, no more hiding, no pretend.

When I thought I had no friends, you reached me so quick and easy,
Without hesitation or reservation, completely open.
You showed compassion and gave sound advice, but more than that,
And most of all, I appreciate and cherish that you gave your heart and
Yourself immediately, right now, no questions asked.
I thank you so much for that.

I love you.