I sat with pain
and exhaustion
Without trying to hide it or fix it.
Confusion
enveloped me; I was baffled
Who is this in whose body I am
residing?
I knew fear and
helplessness and a deep alone-ness.
I remained open despite life’s
betrayal.
I saw and
touched the center of my human frailty and still I danced.
I accepted and loved.
I was accosted
and stood tall.
Vulnerable
defined me.
I neither grieved nor despaired.
My feet waited
impatiently on the rocky red sand.
Energy from the universe bloated my body through the thick rubber soles
of my hiking boots.
Surrounded by
the red majesty of the rust colored mountains, I felt embraced and liberated.
They
beckoned. I ran forward.
I climbed to
new heights with a familiar strength and unbridled joy.
My arms spread
wide-all the way to my tanned, scratched and tired fingertips.
I witnessed my
own wondrous strength. My spirit soared.
YES! 7,000 feet
high but not nearly touching the height of my delight.
I had welcomed
an unexpected visitor.
I was a gracious and respectful of
the malice it foisted on me.
The gifts
hiding and invisible-exposed to me-by me and for me.
I had not betrayed myself-nor was I
betrayed.
I stood in the
center of the cyclone and I emerged-having been tossed around but barely
bruised;
With abundant joy and gratitude for
having embraced those hidden gifts,
Brought by the unexpected visitor
Who was sent with compassion, wisdom
and love
Just for me.
