Beacon

Long I wandered paths so lonely
Hiding the truth I thought would betray me
Thinking that I must be the only
Possessor of such thoughts so crazy

I yearned to speak and share my feelings
To break the chains of secrecy
But found no one in all my dealings
Who could reciprocate with empathy

Reluctantly I retreated back
To the shadows where my doubt resided
Saving emotions in a neat little stack
For the day when they could be confided

Then, in the midst of my darkest hour
A light found me and warmed me through
Restoring my faith with newfound power
And, my friend, that light was you

So let me take this chance to say
Thanks for all the kindness you've shown
And if you, too, ever lose your way
Just call my name and you won't be alone

Thanks for lending a patient ear
You showed me I wasn't the only one
And for helping me overcome my fear
Thanks, my friend, for all you've done.

--T. DeMatio (1994)