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| photo by photogail via flickr |
He never spoke. He just rocked and mumbled in his seat as
story after story pulsed beneath his skin, repeating like a record with an
ever-present scratch. And while he seemed alone with his stories, the demons made
sure he would never be lonely.
A crow’s call reverberated to his core.
A weeping neighbor tore at his heart.
And painted windows would set him free.
I played Nina Simone and caught a smile. I brought in watercolors
and watched him twinkle. Day after day, week after week, month after month
after month, I danced a dance I did not know. Not for money. Not for power. But
because his happiness mattered to me. I listened. I loved. I cared. With a
paintbrush showing me the direction of the wind and Nina Simone cheering me on.
In a prison of his own.
Where, oh where, was that key?
Then one day when the frost hadn’t even thawed on the prison
grounds, he picked up the brush and painted his first diamond-shaped window. And
when he was done, he smiled. With a finger tapping to the beat of Nina Simone,
his eyes turned toward me with a depth that mirrored my own. And from then on,
Tummer Reid used his voice.
Where was that key?
In our hearts.
The only place it ever could be.
* * *
As 2013 begins, my wish for you is that you care deeper than
last year, that you love deeper than ever before, that you find your brush and
paint windows in whatever shape your heart desires and then invite those around
you to do the same. And when you forget how to steer your ship, crawl back into
the warmth of your heart to find your key. For the mind is the only real prison and
the painted windows of the heart will always set you free.
10 comments:
It is always easier to find the key when someone keeps it ssafe for you - thank you for being my someone dear Brynne
I will always do my best to keep it safe for you, my dear Jo. And how dear you are to me...
Through caring deeper and loving MySelf more, I have found it easier to smile. An authentic smile, that seems to be a key that fits the lock of everyones heart. Thanks for reminding me where the key is, always right within Me.
And that authentic smile of yours...lights up the entire world around you, dear soul. Truly. How blessed I am to know it myself:)
Just making course corrections on my ship as I saw this posting. Trying to fit that key in the lock right now. Sometimes you need to clean windows to see better, sometimes it seems like they are fine. I'm doing a little of both. Thanks Brynne.
Brynne, I love your use of metaphor, it makes me feel wrapped in your words, enlighten by your wishes for me. Thank you, sister! (bow) Jodi
Beautiful words that touch my deepest Self. Our mind does hold us chained down and in our self-created prison and through an open heart, the warmth of your heart as you wrote, is the only way to find that key. Today I will paint my windows and soar. Thank you for your words, your gift and for reminding us all that the only true way to live is by letting our hearts soar.
When the windows seem fine, they are.:) When they aren't they aren't. We always see what we need to see. 'Be where you are', is a favorite phrase of mine. You are soo positive, dear Michael:) Thank you for being such a beautiful support here on my blog and everywhere else:)
I am soo happy you felt wrapped in my words. I cant think of a greater compliment, dear Jodi. And p.s., thanks for being such a spirited sister in my life!:)
Words can only touch our deepest Selves when we are open. Truly open....as you obviously are:) You remind me again how important a soaring heart is...how beautiful being affected can be. Thank you, angel.
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