when tromping through
the thorny fields,
one wears heavy boots
and impenetrable pants;
it only makes sense –
then suddenly
one can find oneself
on the beach
still in protective gear
for the yesterday –
stickier part of the trail –
unaware of the costume change –
there may be a delay…
no matter,
the sun, soon enough, compels a stripping down.
no doubt, at some point her newly born feet will sink into the warmed,
soft sand;
she will ease into the new terrain –
perhaps we had some frozen hearts around here, not unloving, but braced for whatever difficulties lay waiting
for surely we knew the tough times behind!
About 6 months ago, my daughter wanted a pet turtle. hard-outer shell, retreating stance, no cuddles!
Now, we ponder the addition of a long-haired cat – rumored to be better with allergies – rumored to be soft –
do we dare?
C.S. Lewis in The Four Loves: “To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”
T.S. Eliot in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”:
“…Shall I part my hair behind? Do I dare to eat a peach?
I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each.
I do not think they will sing to me.
I have seen them riding seaward on the waves
Combing the white hair of the waves blown back
When the wind blows the water white and black.
We have lingered in the chambers of the sea
By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown 130
Till human voices wake us, and we drown.”
Life as Improv 