Sonnet 79 – Save Me

I have never needed saving.  Before
you came, I knew only dull days, gray smiles
and cold beds.  Where there’s no worth, there’s no fear
of loss.  You reached for me across the miles

and lonely years and spoke sweetness like a
promise.  It was your kiss that freed me and
the warmth in your eyes that taught me to say
“love” and “free”.  How could I know they’d demand

so much of me?  I would never have thought
joy would carry so high a price. And yet,
I’d not give away love so dearly bought,
nor surrender to threat or fear to get

through even one dark night with false comfort.
I’ll risk all to earn your love and your heart.