Before, a war invaded my mind at quiet times whilst the whole world outside stood still

A rage in which I hid my thoughts and feelings inside a painting full of shame and

within a cage made of glass – fragile, but protected by my silence;

But that first kiss, her thigh that led me in and took me to a place of no return, made a home inside my heart and soul.

That soft pillow inside her set me free, the world suddenly got bigger and a new land opened up,

a tempting promise of hope, of meaningful tomorrows, full of passion and happiness;

My genie, once released, could not return to whence it came – my shell, prized open, could not be closed again;

That spiders web, which had kept me alone but safe, yet still become a slow drag through hell, was torn down.

Then, came the day when I let others see what lay beneath my skin

told them who I was, where I’d been, and who I now knew I was born to love

No more unwanted sticky pawing hands would touch me – no more eat, sleep, repeat

No more rusting, dying, screaming despair – instead, soft mouths stroking, bodies deeply entangled;

Music became a friend to wipe my tears and gift me back those special fading memories.

Now, each day sinks away from me like dry sand between my toes

I rush towards my future but I cannot fully leave that past behind

I carry those moments and memories in my flesh and in my bones;

As the doorbell chimes are silenced, as planes stay on the ground and ships don’t leave the docks

Remember we’ll meet again my friend, and share our hopes, dreams and stories about how it all began

How we learned despite it all, we were still loved as others are loved and

the music played on;

Our oldest and most loyal friend still holds our hand. In music, we trust.

The food of love, indeed.