WITHOUT DEMAND

Shadows built in which to hide,
watch light stream ever wider.
Dreaming of the hearth inside
pull quickly back: the hider.

Trembling reaches: whisp'ry clutch
for just that human caring.
Friendship that eludes her touch
to break the walls for sharing.

Companionship to walk this land,
in fear that she has rendered.
In gentleness to understand
why she hides from full surrender.

A place of rest, without demand,
from emptiness uncaring.
A nook of somewhat brighter land
with undemanding sharing.

An oak of shade to hide her in,
to gather in the end,
to succor in life's raging wind.
Stand back and be her friend.©
~ RAC  7-98~