a love reciprocated –

At times you will feel bold,

Times, you will feel alone.

The whispers that haunt

And the voices that taunt

Lead you toward the seasons which mold you.

You cannot escape their happening

But because I love you,

My friend, I will be by your side.

I know the wind of winter chilled air

Will one day trap you in your own despair;

No place to go,

No place to escape the cold,

But because I love you,

My friend, I will offer you warm compassion

The compassion that can help in conquering fears,

The compassion that can help when there are flowing tears --

Tears of jubilation!

Tears of trepidation!

Because I love you,

It is you who I will treat with unquestioning love and respect

Because I love you,

It is you who I will return this gift to

Because, my dear friend, you first unconditionally loved me.