Fear,
to me,
was the same as air.
In me,
Surrounding me,
So I thought it was
a basic element,
a fact of life.
I lived in it,
moved in it,
built a home there.

But your perfect love
would not stand it.
You took my hand
and lead me
here
where peace
and rest
have replaced all of fear.

And you taught me
fear is toxic,
deadly,
sinister.
It doesn't come from you.
It can not dwell with you.
So if I smell it,
hold my breath
till you come near
and clear the air.


-Veronica Boulden