Sonnet 50 – Thank You

I was dismal dark before I found you,
my words shut-up and silent.  Even then
I had to love you quietly, to know
you only in secret, till one sharp pen

stroke freed you, freeing me.  Suddenly I
found my faith again and bright, clear music.
New words welled up, demanding voice and they
found it in you.  My pen’s no longer weak.

My choices are my own and I’m content
to claim them, just as I claim consequence.
I lingered too long in shadow and spent
too many years in pride and false penance.

You’re all of joy and life that I’ll ever
need or know and all of love I desire.