Where Were You When I Was Falling?

where were you
when i was falling
and my outstretched hand
came in contact
with nothing?

i saw you as i fell
out for a day of shopping
and my outstretched hand
came away as empty
as my stomach

i remember as i climbed
how you would sit back
looking at my outstretched hand
with your sly little grin
creasing wrinkles beside your eyes

now that i have found my way
back into society's good graces
you stand with outstretched hand
expecting me to accept it
with gratitude and rejoicing

but instead i stand
without emotion looking askance
at your outstretched hand
wondering 'where were you
when i was falling?'