Greater Than Love

There are certain times when we don't need love ...
We don't need unbridled passion ...
We don't want a kiss upon the lips ...
And no bodies intertwined in the softness of a bed ...
  
There are certain hours when all we want is a hand upon the shoulder, a tight embrace, or simply to have someone there, quietly, beside us ...
Without a word spoken ...
  
There are certain hours when we feel ourselves on the edge of tears, when we crave a friendly presence listening patiently, playing with us, coaxing us to smile ...
  
 Someone who laughs at our dull jokes ...
 Who holds our sorrows as the greatest in all the world ...
 Who spins endless compliments ...
 And beneath all the necessary lies, possesses
 unquestionable sincerity ...
 And tells us gently ...
 To hold our silence or stay our thoughtless hand ...
  
 Someone who can say:
 I think you're wrong, but I stand with you ...
  
 Or someone who simply says:
 I am your beloved! And here I am!