My Promises to You

i'll be waiting for you

this is the loveliest string of words in the english language, and the most beautiful words i could hear out of a mouth:

i'll be waiting for you.

because when we step aside and see an unclear future

with cobwebs and sheer shadows

looking back, we're afraid it surrounds us

and we'll be overwhelmed and smothered.

but when i see your silhouette against the burning sun

and feel your soul reach out and grab my hand

i know you'll be there when i arrive.

and, so you know,

i'll be waiting for you.

when the wind is howling and the grass stirring

and the birds haven't retreated into their nests,

when the smell of a rain reaches my nose

and i can taste the static of lightening and your touch,

i will be here on the front porch, watching the storm roll in

and hoping you're on its heels.

and when the sun is rising

and painting the black

purple

red

orange

yellow

i will be under the willow tree with a pencil and paper

drawing the shadows to show you when you come over the hill.

and when i wake up and feel the space you left beside me

and coldness in your wake,

i will keep your memory warm until you return.

and when you finally arrive,

we'll wait together

in the eye of the storm

to see what it will be like when the wind stops howling

and to see how we will feel when we can walk together again.

but for now,

i will be waiting for you

until you come home.