Holding you close, my soul’s at ease,

As if you’ve lifted Life’s disease

Of hunger, sorrow, and trying

To stop disaster and dying,

Especially when ‘vis-a-vis’.

Other ones I could never please,

Beating me down to humble knees;

But you feel so good, I’m flying,

Holding you close.

A sense of wonder oversees

My body, as my hand you squeeze;

My heart, with joy, feels like crying,

And ev’ry breath comes out sighing;

My land has overcome those seas,

Holding you close.

(written in 1978)