You held my hand and stood firm by my side <br />And carried me across the rivers that I've wept <br />Diminished as I was you gave me back my pride <br />No truer faith or love a sister ever kept <br /> <br />You pulled the black dog often from my back <br />Replenished fading courage with a loving phrase <br />And in my darkest moments would not let me lack <br />For ready help to guide me from my maze <br /> <br />These many years no judgements ever made <br />Your brother's frailties could have earned a few <br />You never flinched from coming to my aid <br />I think with shame on all those times that I failed you <br /> <br />When at the final count I fearing come to knock <br />Upon His door to seek remission and His loving grace <br />I'll dare to stop and thank Him face-to-face <br />For having given me my sister, friend and rock<br /><br />Charles Mackintosh<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/elissa/
