Lost and Found

We travelled through final Harvest together
And found a secret, long-forgotten;
You kept it hidden with such care!
And suddenly, I became aware
I had a secret I might share
Through growing friendship, new begotten.

As we descended through the gloaming
To the Vale's beckoning lights
I pondered all the lessons taught — 
The times we laughed, the times we fought,
The times we touched, or spoke, or thought — 
Bemused, I followed you from the heights.

We reached the fireside of the inn,
And, welcomed in from autumn's chill,
Amazed, I re-explored my heart
And wondered when you'd become a part
And how I could have let it start — 
The aching, and the thrill.

And now it is fully winter — 
Gone, the lingering warmth of fall
We've shared more love and misunderstanding
(You, elusive, I, demanding)
And I am contemplating handing
You the key to heart and all.