To Hold On Poem by Heather Jephcott

I was trying so hard to hold on
to a hand, an arm reaching out to me, for me
I longed
desired to cling to
the help
the acceptance
the grace I knew
came with this person
trying desperately
to not let go
but slip it would
there was nothing
I could do to keep a firm clasp
it was not in my power
beyond my strength
this hand
slipping
not quite reaching
drawing away
when I felt the greatest need
the strongest yearning