Alongside

I cannot walk another’s pain,
nor take it from them.
Yet gladly would I give a little of myself
to walk alongside
in companionship and love.
When the soul is darkest
and the light most hidden,
there would I offer the breath of self knowledge.
I cannot know the path to follow,
but if I could,
I would reflect the radiance of a person’s essence
back into their heart,
that they might find their own path
with sure and knowing steps,
and not walk those steps alone.
Where their path may lead
I cannot know.
Yet gladly would I follow.

Ruth Davmor