you thought you stood alone
but we
were by your side
winter’s cold
took your breath
but we surrounded you with
the warmth of the fireside

loneliness
can creep upon one
with no warning
with no notice
slowly
finding its way
into the mind
burying its seeds
in the heart
trying
to find a way to one’s soul
ears only hearing
succumb
succumb

but
we shall shelter you
we can see
what you can not
we won’t let you slip
into the dark
we will block
the noises of night

we might look worn
but we won the fight
so very long ago
and we shall
hold you through
the struggles
and the cold

do not fear
there is strength
in our limbs
we can hold your weight

a day will come
when you wake
and feel your own strength
now ready
now able
to carry
someone else through
this frightful state