The Gift   A package was left on the guarded, secret doorstep to my heart, petite and beautifully wrapped, I hesitated, feared to open it, Should I? Or should I savor it from afar, content to imagine treasures hidden within the delicate trappings.   But the desire, the allure, the need to know too strong, and the coverings fell deliciously away; the contents amazed me; such depth, such selflessness, such compassion, I did not, could not imagine, even in my most exciting, secret dreams, and my heart could not, cannot, grasp the beauty, the thoughtfulness, the Love of such a precious gift- nor can my mind, spirit, soul, comprehend the truth that it was given to me without encumberment or expectation.   So, my heart, spirit, and soul,  are given in return, for they are all I have with which to answer such kindness and Love.       copyright AP Ashley 1997       Comment/Next/Back/Home