If My Despair Can...

If My Despair Can Sink Ships Like A Storm

If my despair can sink ships like a storm,

     and my shores are consumed by tidal gloom, 

like apples spoiled by a devouring worm,

     where rot and mind's decay lead to my doom,

then its poison prevents me from relief

     and cure—and the escape from manic death!

This weight of sorrow crushes out my life, 

     and drains from my lungs God's life-giving breath. 

But thou, sweet Rose, restore my soul and joy.

     (Grant me your healing grace, your balm, your light.)

If fate grants me one more thing to enjoy,

     it is your hand that holds me through the night. 

Though life's despair may never quite depart,

I live because you hold me in your heart. 

By Ngoc Nguyen

From: United States