In response to Archipelago - a poem for a poem

My dear friend and writing mentor, Ray Lovato read my poem from yesterday and wrote one in response to give me - hope. A precious gift indeed and one in exchange for the inspiration he claims I gave him. 

"No man is an island."  John Donne

Once a Stranger

By Ray Lovato

 

When you feel like an isolated island,

remember that all islands are part of a chain.

All islands are peaks rising above the waves,

         connected by solid rock bases;

all part of the same submerged  mountain range

         that stretches around the world.

You are part of a chain of islands

that all depend on your being there.

One day, when you least expect it,

    a stranger will wash ashore

       and become a friend.