By Gala
Date: 7 September 2000

Lifeline

Going down for the third time,
when gentle hands
caught me by the waist,
and hauled me to the shore
coughing,
scratched
scared half to death
but alive.
And when I looked into your eyes
i saw something
that went beyond
hero worship,
chinese obligation,
or gratitude.
I saw the heart
that would have died with me
had I not kicked my way to land,
and the place I wanted to live---
not for a day
a week, a month
or a year,
but for all time.
You said I could not be your life line-----
and then became mine.
This rescuing damsels thing---
it's one hell of a sideline.
And i love you
more than you will ever know,
and suddenly life
tastes honey sweet
and I have to thank the wave
that knocked me to my knees
and made me see you
as the essential part of my being
that being proud
independent
and yes love stubborn---
all those things disallowed.
But my heart
will have it's way.
And let this be a lesson to you---
my hero!

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