He grew up neglected

His parents too broken

To tend to his needs

Let alone show him affection.

He spent his childhood alone

Imagination his only companion

An escape when chaos ensued

A beautiful place to retreat.

He floated unseen

Unheard and disregarded

Until he stopped talking

And kept to himself.

As he grew older he knew

He had to escape this

So he left one cold day

And never looked back.

He met her one morning

She asked him a question

They felt a connection

They talked through the night.

Time went on slowly

He felt his heart warming

To this new feeling

That she was his home.

They become friends

And then lovers

Partners in life

Then parents to four.

The years continued to pass

Their bond only grew stronger

As their bodies grew frailer

Their dark hair peppered with grays.

He held her hand

As she lay in bed dying

Thinking where he had started

And where life now had led him.

50 years they had spent

Being a couple, a family

Sharing a lifetime of happiness

That was why he still believed in love.