Thank You Note (Poetry)

My dear Len
your book has been a comfort
through the days and nights not knowing
how this trial will end

Your lines help me hold onto
the small details of existence
there’s a world to save

and the pages join their forces
like an army primed for battle
overcoming pain
talking to the quiet spirit
reassuring as life flickers
lights a candle in the rain

There’s salty scraps of humour
dabs of sweetness in the mixture
maybe tongue-in-cheek or not
and I find a new perspective
in the poetry of order
simple truths the heart forgot

Every word has saved me falling
kept me anchored floor to ceiling
in the room your thoughts create
like balm this distant healing
soothes the hours
smooth with meaning
gives humanity its space

Wise and flawed and foolish
the confessions doubts and anguish
all combine to tell the tale
honesty’s the watchword
that floats its coloured banner
so hope’s castle will prevail

Therefore I thank you
dearest Lenny —
they are few and we are many
where you lead I’ll march behind
you never were a stranger
but a friend — a modest saviour
love enclosed
this note unsigned

*****

PS I have a question —
is everything connected?
it would be so good
at this late stage
to know