sanctuary

With quiet words and a tender hand
You have cleared away layers of fear
Exposing what lay hidden inside
Carefully creating a sanctuary
Within your eyes, voice, and smile
I find refuge beneath the branches of your laugh
Relief enfolds me in the shade of your loving way

And so it goes that I must try
With softer patience and a listening heart
To meet you along the shoreline
Of where our hearts reach into the future
Hoping you know with each passing day
How well you deserve to be loved
My beloved and precious friend