If You Be There

IF YOU BE THERE

If you be there
and watch me from your safety,
- your darkness corner, sometimes light -
and see me rise from oarless boat
another day
a hungry soul,
I ask of you
please raise your hand
in greeting
- nothing more.
And I shall see and say, perhaps
I live for you, or someone else
but still I have a reason
for my being, then.
And if perchance I get ashore
and run to thank you
for your gift,
don't run away
as if to think I'll cling to you.
Just stay awhile
and hold my hand
so I can know that I'm alive,
Then go
if that's your way
of life.