Because I love you

You stumble down the road,
Lost and afraid.
Footsteps patter from behind,
Kicking up motes of dust.

You turn to face the stranger,
And regard him with suspicion.
You are rewarded with a smile.

“May I come with you?”
“Why?”
“I have been on this path before.
I can help you on your way.”

You offer him a shrug,
Expressing your indifference.
Wordlessly, he joins you.

You travel for many months,
And slowly grow comfortable.
He is kind, helpful and caring.
You turn to face him once more.

“Why do you help me?
He simply smiles.
“Because I love you.”

Time passes.  Things change.
You change.
Many times you forget about him.
You have avoided his warm smile.

But time and time again,
You return to him, crying.
You have been hurt by life.

Carefully, gently, he embraces you.
He engulfs you within his strong arms.
“I am here for you.  Always.
You have no need to fear.”

Choking on tears, you speak.
“Why do you help me?”
“Because I love you.”

In times of pain or strife,
You have struck out at others.
You have hurt the ones that
Care for you the most.

You attacked him:
Physically and verbally.
And still, you are graced with a smile.

Finally, your journey comes to an end.
As you breathe your last, you manage to rasp,
“Why did you always help me?”
“Because I love you.”