a life in words

safe house

you were a safe place 

your arms were the lock on the door that i checked 500 times 

your voice was the soothing thought that yes, it was locked

yes, you are safe

you were the first obsessive thoughts i had that weren't images of my family burning in a fire 

or someone stealing me away during the night

or a blade running across my skin from my own hand 

you were safe

you were the warmth of the sunshine on a cold winter day

you were iced coffee in spring when everything is blooming and bright 

you were a waterfall, scary but safe and oh so beautiful 

you were my favorite book, curled next to the fire with a fuzzy blanket 

you were the feeling of seeing your dog after weeks of being away 

you were hot chocolate at midnight 

you were star gazing in the back of a pick up truck with best friends 

you were nervous hand holds and shaking fingers 

you were full body hugs 

you were safe 

but now it's only "you were" when it should be "you are"