They are There

BY CAROLE NICHOLS

When we first come into life,
Struggling, protesting into the light,
Drawing that first sweet breath,
Seeking the unknown comfort
Of a mother's nurturing breast,
And the security of her arms;
They are there.

When skies are darkened,
By the rage of the storm;
When lightning splits the sky
With fingers of hot anger,
And thunder shakes the land,
Drowning our cries of fear;
They are there.

When the seas roll in fury,
Tossing the soul into confusion;
When the winds howl with the might
To bend and snap the sturdy tree,
And we wander, lost and alone,
Fighting to find our way home;
They are there.

They are there, good times and bad,
Standing ever near to hold our hands,
Silent sentinels to our daily lives,
Protecting and comforting the heart,
Feeding and soothing our souls;
Asking naught, yet giving all.
They are there.

And when our living's done,
Yet we fight against the coming dark,
They shine a light in the distance,
Welcome us with smiles and open arms,
We finally see our angels face to face;
Even into eternity, we walk side by side.
They are there.