The Gift

She came to me laughing
Her hair gleaming
In the ambient light
Of the lengthening day.

She gave herself to me tenderly
Opening her heart
Before her body.

I received her
As sacrament
As bread and wine
Renewal for my soul.

She was my teacher
Showing me the worth
Of my being.

I was a spirit
In dry places
Homeless in my heart.

She changed that.

Looking back
From where I now stand
I view the gift
I was given.

At the time I thought it was her love.

But now I know
It was my life.