Two Lives, Too Close

Being open does not always make life easier or untroubled.

Disclosing myself, sharing what I truly think and feel risks the possibility of flight. The flight of a stranger or someone known who, as they listen, begins to feel too close, and with fear of this, leaves.

Some, if not most of the time, person to person, I take care not to be too much despite my longing to be with. Here, my words on page, this place of distance grants the chance to share, arm's-length.

100

1 year, 10 years, 100 years. A human life. A life of love, faith, and compassion. A life past and present. A life still hoping for their future. A life that would loose themselves in the wonder of the sky and cloud. A life full with the sound and shape of song, of poetry, and prayer. A life with community. A life with others and alone. A life of sacrifice. A life, not less, but more. A life of independence. I life of dependence. A life of goodness, of mystery, of privacy, feast, and abstention. A life of curiosity and excited apprehension.

Accidents Happen

Accidents happen unexpectedly, unintentionally. Their consequence is sudden change to a person, a living thing, or object, and the ensuing transformation may be positive or negative. Despite my efforts to avoid them, occasionally, through carelessness or matters beyond my control, I am the cause of damage, physical and psychological. Whether party or witness to an accident, my duty is to care about its consequence, to quell the pain with compassion, empathy and understanding. I often fall far short.