HardDraw

by A Michigan Skylark

Slim's respect for Jess—initially tentative and sometimes grudging—opens the door to profound change and growth for him. What kind of a man would Slim have become without this partnership (and what kind of man would Jess have become without Slim's influence)? Thankfully, we'll never have to find out.

HardDraw

by A Michigan Skylark

---

He turns your black and white

into a blizzard of greys;

makes looped and wide

your straight and narrow,

bends hard and fast to yield and wander,

and lies redeems to salve from sin.

---

With all familiar landmarks gone,

the compass sprung and darkness falling,

you miss the turn

and, for a while, mistake the way.

---

Listen.

---

His deep and steady voice

—both right and wrong

will guide you home.

---

*#*#*

---

I'm by no means the first to see our beloved story reflected in the song "For Good" from the musical "Wicked," but I quote it here for those who might not know it.

---

"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason

bringing something we must learn,

and we are led to those who help us most to grow

(if we let them and we help them in return).

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today

because I knew you."

—Stephen Schwartz