The gentle space-maker

I emptied myself

   to give you space to grow. 

Empty yourself

   of all that is not you

   of all you worry 

      should be there

      to win esteem, 

      earn love, be seen. 

Empty yourself

   till all that’s left 

   is you, true you, of you. 

And from the rich dark mulch

   of long-forgotten dreams,

   of grief and hope,

   of fears and failures, tears,

   and lost delights,

the passions of your soul

   that cares have crusted over,

I will help bloom and blossom 

   something beautiful and brave

   that is true you, 

   the you in whom is found

   my joy and my delight.