She waited on the shore and smiled as
I pushed away from her,
And dove blind, bound, into a pool of black water
Searching, ravenous for my treasure
Thrashing til my face emerged into cool sweet air
And gratefully took breaths, each one filled with her whispered prayers
She lit a path for me on hard packed ground
Then smiled softly as I hacked my way through thick jungle vines
Swearing it was better
Then embraced me when I emerged
Torn and bloodied, sweat soaked
And kissed my head
And said well done, I’m proud of you
She watched as I walked into the desert, on a search to find my treasure
Obsessed, I pushed across the barren wasteland
Parched and starving, wandering, lost
When at last I collapsed, broken,
She was there with water, horses
Took me to a far oasis
Healed me, loved me, made me whole again
Then she lead me to the gates and told me never to give up on my dreams
And she would be there, watching, waiting
Loving, praying
Always.
And then, with gratitude abounding,
Gathering her with arms unyielding,
I finally realized that my treasure
Stood with sparkling eyes beside me
Stood beside me all along.