Kindness of Strangers

For many years of my life
I walked a solitary road
An echoing loneliness shrouded me
A depressive episode

I was made to feel so small
Without much faith or hope
I wondered if life would get better
Or if I was meant for this downward slope

Small rays of light
No matter how fantastical
Were all I had to cling to
To make my life more magical

And that is exactly what you did
Aged 8, of you I became aware
You were my own Prince Charming
The answer to my prayer

In my darkest moments
I turned to you, rewatched every single scene
I didn't care if I looked crazy
Or that you were just a dream

I never once believed
I would get the chance to meet you
But when opportunity came knocking
It was something I had to see through

On the surface all you saw
Was some manufactured pride
There was no way for you to know
Just how broken I was inside

Recovering from a breakdown
A medicated, certified wreck
Relying on pills just to function
Fingers closing around my neck

In everything you did for me
You lifted me from the ground
Every word, hug, smile and compliment
Saved me before I drowned

It may seem ridiculous
I've often been accused of insanity
But you saved my life that day
With your kindness and humanity

Ever since our first meeting
Whenever things got dark and gritty
I always remembered how you
Made me feel and how you called me pretty

I always wanted to thank you
For the joy you brought to my days
Your influence inspired me to go on
In you I will believe, always

Six years later, we met again
As sweet and gracious still
I told you everything and explained
How you were my miracle

Humbled by my words
You smiled and held me tight
And then you whispered in my ear
I'm glad you didn't give up the fight

Today is your birthday
Fifty years - a golden jubilee
And it has come as a shock to me
That I have supported you for twenty-three

I wish you so much happiness
Continued future success
But never, ever forget your best trait
Your unconditional kindness.

©lady_maia89