Close To home in your arms
Embraced so fully by your charms,
    I'm reluctant to stay, for duties to perform
And regretting to leave a woman so warm.
    Trials and errors you've faced alone,
And through it all, the more beautiful you've grown.
    Though they've been great
Your spirit must be grand.
    For it comes straight
From the heart and God's guiding hand.
    Life will turn you inside out
Like so much soil tilled,
    And through all your tears and doubt
Know that you heart will be filled.
    From springs of tears
To nourish that torn land
    Comes the toil of years
Blossoming by your hand.
    Tears of pain, tears of doubt,
Regret and remorse,
    May cause you to scream and shout
Until you are trembling and hoarse.
    Your soul is lonely
But you are never alone.
    You shared yourself openly
And a glimpse of home I was shown.
    A gift of God's love
You are on this world.
    Like a graceful dove,
With wings unfurled.
    That's your gift, can't you see,
What you mean to others, and to me?
    You took pain and misery and locked it up inside
Where it ate away the bad and opened your heart wide
    To be filled by your boundless soul,
God's plan having found its goal.
    You are a shining light
A bastion of hope and love
    Glaring through the murky night
And the terrible storm clouds above.
    Thank you for your strength and might;
The courage of a lonesome dove.
    I wish I had a gift to give you,
Something with meaning, more than these words so few.
    Know this though always in your heart,
For in mine, Forever and Always, you will be a part.

Dedicated in Love & Light this Christmas season
    To my personal angel, Andrea.