Unconditionally

I had never felt something so natural and pure; it took me a moment to figure it out 

One look at you and I knew I had always been on the ground

It was like flying in those first few months, being with you everyday

But pretty soon I started to realize that feeling of safety had gone away

The pleasant surprises were over and I was left with violent realizations

Every word or action I took was always articulated with hesitation

How would you react!  How would it make you feel?

I started to believe what you told me about none of my friendships being real

I could not trust myself or how I felt.  I was alone- I mean I owed you after all

Being near me was a gift, wasn't it?  I had to come whenever you would call

I could not rip myself away from the person I hoped you were

Whenever you hurt me, of your intentions I never could be sure

At least that was what I told myself, but love is something you should never have to defend

It speaks for itself in actions and words, never breaking your heart until it cannot mend

My chest was so full of hope and faith in something I just could not see

Those that cared about me reminded me that who I was being was not who I wanted to be

I forced you out of my heart but your words never left my mind

"You will kill yourself without me," you said, "in three years time."

Well it has been three years without you and I am better than ever before

I may have lost you in the process but I have gained so much more

The people who are in my life choose to be near me; it is not a present

I do not have to pay them back for the love they give me; it is just a blessing

I can wake up and go to bed happy with who I have become

Proud of who I left behind getting to where I belong

The people in my life will support me to the end of my many days

And because they love me, they do not ask for praise

They make me laugh and smile with no hesitations

I can be who I am without any complications

And if I ask for help, if I dare appear vulnerable at all

They reassure me with respect and decency and help me to stand tall

I ask them sometimes, when I think of you, "Why do you love me? What can I offer you?"

They reply, "You offer yourself and that is more than enough.  Because I love you, unconditionally."