By Friendship's Fire

I came with sorrow on my breath, through darkness chilled by doubt, and sought the warmth of friendship's fire to drive the coldness out. I drew about my stubborn back the tartan of my creed and proudly vowed my heart was full, denying hunger's need. I said the words my frozen soul had willed my lips to say. But, huddled there by friendship's fire, love's touch gave me away, as tenderly, on feathered feet, the dawn of honesty crept through the cracks of shuttered fear and brought her light to me. She called the shapeless shadows from the corners of my guilt and let me stand on the steadied hope, my courage had freshly built. With sorrow eased and strength renewed, I laid my cloak aside and took the warmth of friendship's fire to face the world outside.