She came
carrying more than she knew
Ignorance a shield lowered only
when the space and choice combined
in a womb that nurtured discovery

He arrived
to confront his yearning
for those meagre signs of approval
that mattered little in essence
but consumed more than he could afford

A monstrous dark shadow
looming in the pale light
of its own recognition
All those triggers
keys that unlocked an arsenal
of pains from a time when
a smaller version of the adult
learnt to survive

She went
initiating a mutual release
from that prison in which
through the years of youth
they had shared and cared

A release in the only way they knew
Raging anger, tears and longing
for an end to the constant frustration
of those past moments that cemented
the walls and locked the doors
A realisation that we can turn
only our own keys

He turned and rushed
the nectar of freedom a heady brew.
Another provided the comfort
and shared the laughter
that gushed into that empty space

**  Stace says: The closing bookend to Coming In, the ending for the beginning, being the parameters to a 12 year relationship & marriage, almost to the day, 1970-1982.  

As my mind fights the sleep
and relief is hours away.
My thoughts are still with you
as surely my heart you will keep.

I strive to find the words or deeds
to give your troubled mind
the consolation that is its due
and disperse those doubting seeds.

I may not find those elusive words
that may reassure and placate you
I can only give you love and fidelity
and a vision that looks forward.

It is ours to work and build upon
as a life in which others
whom we shall surely encounter
may find the love we stumbled on.

But this joy can be ours
and at times does break through
all those fears and doubts
like rainbows through spring showers

That is loves rejuvenation
a precious thing which maintained
and constantly replenished
becomes an eternal revelation

Do not fret about the years already done
for their pitfalls you have met
and should. rightly, pale into insignificance
for they are battles you have clearly won

Do not fret about the coming years
with all their age-old trials
which must be met and faced
but cannot be beaten with presumptive tears

All these words may or may not be true
and that is for you alone to decide
there is only one truth
I love you

**  Stace says: This was written at the start of a 12 year relationship & marriage in 1970 which should be read in conjunction with Going Out.