it was easy when the cover
    was all that could be seen,
 when pages became visible
           the existence changed
                           yet again,

each time the book has opened
     the contents scare the viewer,
  pages pouring love out,
           reasons from the past
     that molded the determined,
                       independent soul,
  an understanding of the circles,
           and an honor code,
   beyond superficial circumstances,
 where words are written
       and an ironclad promise is kept,
an epitaph explains
   the life goal of service,

     where imperfections exist,
desires to be accepted
   grace every chapter,
 examples of sometimes trying too hard
      to out live shadows
and crushing betrayal,
   where fear lingers on the fringes,

within the pages exists a life
   that once viewed by the outside
is left unread and cast away,
  as though a disease exists
     to be caught,
yet the book survives,
      adding chapters,
  regardless of the loss
            that always comes,
changing nothing, love given
      will remain,
 promises will be kept if ever
                     called upon,

   someday when all the chapters
have been written,
        there exists a hope that love
  will be received like it was given
    and forgiveness will be found.