"ANDRESITO"

                    ANDRESITO

What was that balm
so freely giv'n
which in my blackest hour
my life renewed
and that, in silence, drew
the bitter gall
which poison me most surely would?

That one so young
and still by fate unscarred
should know, untaught
the healing touch
the cleansing gaze
      unhesitatingly approach
              and gently step into the unknown
a friend to save from deep despair
counting not loss
counting not gain
but with such beauteous artlessness
                                      simplicity
a flood of joy
so startlingly let in
      is the small gift
      is the great gift
were I to spend
all strength
all breath and time left me
my gratitude
      repayment
would insufficient be

                                    For Andy

                                                        Marta Esperanza Edgcombe
                                                        October 21, 1998