When

When I reach out for help
and no one was there
you came to me….

When I used doubt to hide my fear,
you gave me courage
so I could have faith in me.

When I used anger to hide my guilt,
you gave me acceptance
so I could have forgiveness in me.

When I used bitterness to hide my hate for me,
you gave me a way to heal
so I could have peace in me.

When I used sorrow to hide my broken heart,
you gave me compassion
so I could cry for me.

When I used hopelessness to hide my broken spirit,
you gave me encouragement
so I could believe in me.

When I used shame to hide my broken soul,
you gave me love
so I could be "me".

When I reach out for help
and no one was there
you came to me…

Waa ksis to akii
November 1996