This is the After

Take my hand gently
as you hold me at arm’s length,
pulling me closer in theory
and not in a measure of strength.
Tell me you saw me coming
from afar, my countenance blooming
within your mind’s eye
after tearing apart the glooming.
Yes, dark shadows you cast
as you peeled them from my skin,
“Care to dance?” Wonder asked
while you pulled me from within.
I’ve come far from the world of gray,
and now that I’ve seen you in the light,
in warmth I intend to stay,
in color I choose to delight.