A Harboured Soul Poem by Mahfooz Ali

I sailed upon the sea of disappointment,
my raft was buffeted by bitter swells.
I clung to my now battered life preserver
as the wave of broken promises compelled
my driftwood dreams toward the barren shore.

Long futile fighting had weakened my arms.
My throat was dry, head dazed, eyes glazed with cold.
Every direction seemed to lead toward
a future where I was alone and old;
a specter living in a joyless world.

You stood upon the deck
and looked across the darkness of the deep.
Your soft eyes lingered watching my approach,
my fragile form lost in exhausted sleep
and heedless to the danger of the beach.

Your arms warmed the chill of shattered hopes.
Your gentle care revived then set me free.
You taught me all I was and could become.
You gave to me the gift of being me,
the chance to love and be loved in return.

The ocean is a berth of choppy surf.
I'm standing strong against the breaking waves.
I am no longer filled with fear to face
the future our togetherness now paves.
Souls safe within the harbour of our love.