Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Wednesday Wish (63); Painted Windows


painter's pane
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:

Anonymous said...

It is always easier to find the key when someone keeps it ssafe for you - thank you for being my someone dear Brynne

Brynne said...

I will always do my best to keep it safe for you, my dear Jo. And how dear you are to me...

Anonymous said...

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.

Brynne said...

And that authentic smile of yours...lights up the entire world around you, dear soul. Truly. How blessed I am to know it myself:)

Michael J. Fitzgerald said...

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.

Jodi @ Heal Now said...

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

Anonymous said...

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.

Brynne said...

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:)

Brynne said...

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!:)

Brynne said...

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.