Finding Integrity Poem by Cathleen Hodgkinson

Seeking revelation...she lost all clarity to see.
Perfection is not what she looked for.
Who is he? Where can he be?
So she set out to find a man's most shining quality.

Taking a deep breath, wiping her tears away.
Her heart now broken and shattered...she'd had enough.
Her hopes of the 'fairy tale' long gone.
She shivers at the thought of another loveless day.

In her quest to find him, longing to touch his face.
To look into his eyes, her trembling contrasting his calmness.
His acceptance and devotion, he'd know just what to say.
To feel for once...for the first time...she was in the right place.

His sense of completeness, soundness, honesty, his intuition.
His ability to 'rise up' to any occassion with grace.
He can laugh at his imperfections, accept his truth.
He'd honor one's beliefs as he stood by his convictions.

He can give a good arguement...standing his ground.
All the while not choosing the arrogance of superiority.
He can cast his ego aside....with the utmost dignity.
He knows what matters most...the fairness in right or wrong.

This inner beauty, second nature to this man.
His patience, fairness, incredible strength, loving heart.
His ability to cherish happiness, a noble soul so rare.
To value love and life, always giving the best he can.

Upon her revelation, now all too clear to see.
Perfection is not what she looked for.
Who is he? Where can he be?
She's still trying to find him...but now truly believes...
There is only one shining quality in a man...and that quality is Integrity.

(Revised)