Piérre Ramon Thomas

Nursed to Health

by Piérre Ramon Thomas

Before you came, I was 
       malnourished—
No, not from food,
But from love.
My bones were visible through my 
       thin skin,
My stomach ached not knowing when 
       my next filling would come.
I saw others, with light in their faces,
Fat from their indulgences.
Although I did not want to beg,
I, too, became a beggar.
My body was as frail as the holy men 
       who fast.
My eyes were glazed from excessive 
       tears.
I fed myself with morsels which were 
       thrown from their lofty places,
I forsook any remaining pride.

But our first encounter gave me life, 
My heart was assured of your interest.
Your voice to my ears was as a song 
       of love,
I was hypnotized.
You could’ve requested anything from 
       me,
Being your puppet, I would’ve 
       obeyed.
Your kisses fattened me,
And my skin grew full.
Your embrace was meat for my soul,
I was reluctant to be anywhere else.
Your touch sent oxygen into my 
       lungs,
The air became sweet again.
Our cuddling together bandaged my 
       wounds,
Making me understand I wasn’t 
       unlovable. 
Your comprehension of me nursed 
       me to complete health,
Seeing my unfolded mind in all its 
       rawness.