i was half a tattered photo fluttering with no home

a chalk drawing in a thunderstorm on the sidewalk

a candle on the mantle near an open window struggling to burn

until you

i was a half finished manuscript that had been forgotten on a shelf

the fading remnants of dream as the alarm clock sounds out

a fallen leaf blowing down a rain slicked alley stuck in the fence

until you

now i am an inferno licking the roof beams of a barn full of hay

a leather bound tome well worn from inquisitive hands and eyes

a painting on the wall of the museum with a crowd around it

because of you

you filled in the missing pieces with an effortless substance

completed the half conceived sketch with deft hands and heart

shading and contouring the jagged parts with focus and care

now i am whole

because of you