Hear your own stillness

before listening

to any of your words.

Embrace frozen, jagged spaces.

Dive deeply.

Smack into the tundra

of your wounded places.

We are here now.

Together.

Alive.

Here in this.

Moving.

That one who pressed against her father's chest

in a desperate attempt to crawl inside his body

long enough to feel his love.

The one who snuck on her mother's high heels

and lipstick

while devouring Twinkies.

Where have I been

while I was doing something else?

Nobody listened.

Nobody heard me.

Not even me then.

And now it is later.

We are here now.

Together.

Alive.

Here in this.

Moving.

Disarm.

Free your space.

Free-flow dance.

Take your place.

Gentle. Harsh.

Graceful. Painful.

Shameless. Critical.

We are here now.

Together.

Alive.

Here in this.

Moving.

Embarrassment

fades.

Out of focus.

Humility sounds

a pulsating sound.

Gentle patience.

Forgiving.

Lifting us all

to higher ground.

I borrowed these tears.

Given to me

when I needed them.

I embrace them now.

And I will return them to her

as I am able.

Beautiful stranger.

Barbara Donna.

Twenty-one years

inside the house

Taye built.

Let it be easy.

Let it be fun.

Fill us with gratitude,

opening our hearts

one to one.

I am here.