Next To Depression

I felt Depression attempting to

Ease itself in, to undermine everything, like a

Saboteur whose sole intent is to destroy all that is.

It made a dauntless pursuit, but this time

It would be too weak to change my course

No matter hard it tried.

I wish I could take credit for its

Dismal effort, but I was weaker than

Depression. I felt defenseless against it.

I was too willing to allow it in; to cover me

Like an oil slick with its smothering film, leaving

No portion of my being unsmeared.

Yet I had nothing to do with Depression's

Feebleness, its strength-less-ness. I now see its

Retreat was hastened by Peter entering my life.

His amazing power was in his existence alone.

Like a policeman's uniform frightens off the burglar

The certainty of Peter's being was all powerful 

next to Depression

Naida Lavon

1999