I put my feelings in a bag
And tied it tight.
I put the bag within a vault
Well out of sight.
I told no one I had the bag
Deep down inside
And changed their focus if I saw
They poked or pried.

On rare occasion someone dear
Would see inside,
And study that which I had thought
I had to hide.
And as I watched - afraid -
They'd gently touch
Those hidden feelings that I'd known
To hurt so much.

But rather than evoking pain,
These touches soothed.
And, rather than the fear I'd known,
Brought gratitude.
For in my world of terrifying
Loneliness,
You saw my need
And helped God save me from myself.