written by Evelyn Colbath 1995 - all rights reserved

Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked in my warm new bed.
I'd like to open my baggage
Lest I forget,
There is so much to carry -
So much to regret.
Hmm . . . Yes there it is, right on the top
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame.
As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave -
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them, the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things -
And take me right back?
Do you have the time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage,
To never repack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage -
Will you still want me?

I know sometimes you don't know why

I run from you and shake and cry.

I know you try so hard to see

What it is that frightens me.

I know you do not understand

Why I'm afraid of human hands.

I know sometimes you cry at night

After you turn out the light.

I know you took me from my past

I wonder if your love will last?

Please know that I will come around

Once I start to settle down.

Please know I understand you care

But trust is something I don't dare.

Please know that when I hide from you

It's only what I've had to do.

Please know I will not soon forget

Each soft word and loving pet.

Please know that you have touched my heart

Because now I know we will never part.

~Erica J. Palmer~