The Relationship

Will you let me wade into the mire with you? 

I won’t pretend to exist somewhere above the pain, immune to the shapeshifting of our brains. 

I know the darkness and that she whispers into your ear; come here, let me be clear that you are not enough and you need too much and you should be tough but you’re weak so stay small. 

I know that there is another way. There is beauty in the world and it belongs to you. Sit on her lap and she will cup your chin in her hands with soft skin; reminding you that you don’t need to worry, things will be sweet again. 

I see you. 
I won’t turn away.
I’m calling you in. 
Take a long, deep breath. 
Can you feel it? 

May your nervous system meet mine, may they do that little dance that we do on the sidewalk.
Let our bodies talk. Left, right, left, back.
“You first!”
“No, you!” 
There has never been a sweeter mingling with a stranger. 

May safety shield your body like a well-worn shawl, open itself to you, and stay. 
May you know that I will hear you. What you have to say is long overdue. 
When the words that stream from your body are brimming with exhaustion, despair, anger, shame, disgust. I’m asking you to trust. 

I am not afraid of your truth
I walk beside you
We are here at a fork in the road

Which way will you go? Take your time, dip your toe into goodness. Slowly now, not everything is urgent; haven’t you dreamt of that space between where you settle and stay, drifting away from the steady, constant weight. It’s not too late.

And if you think I’m full of it
And you only remember one thing
Let it play through your mind, let it ring
And ring
And ring
You are not alone.