Put A Bow On It.

I sat with my eyes closed today, tears streaming down my face. Music filled my ears and I rocked back and forth. The singer sang with his heart in his hand, I imagined it wrapped in a big red bow. It was a gift and the people in the room were grateful.

They said thank you by sharing their stories. Some of their tales were wrapped in a brown paper bag, crumbled up and shoved into their hand. They had to deal with it. I sat in awe at what the human spirit can endure and overcome. This was truth at its finest and I had a seat front row center. I have always been interested in the human condition and what makes us tick. I wonder what Picasso thought about when he looked up at the sky? What did Dali eat for breakfast? Who was Georgia O'Keefe's best friend? How does the woman who sleeps in my alley rest at night? What does true love feel like? I wonder what ever became of my childhood neighbors Tommy and Jenny?

My thoughts drifted as I sat amongst the wounded. Everyone stumbling to find their way. There was a comfort and an ease, the melodies were soothing. I thought about the times I tried to put a bow it. A bow on the wrong people, the wrong paths. Smiling for those that didn't smile back. Side stepping and dodging the mad fury of it all. In the end, I untied the bow, letting it fall to the ground taking a piece of me with it. I gathered up the rest and forged on.

Today I reached into my patchwork bag. I pulled out my ribbons. Tangled, they were pink and gold and silver. I held hands with a stranger and he whispered beautiful things to me. I took my pink ribbon and put a bow on it.

I sat cross legged on the floor and listened to the prayers of a girl with flowers in her hair. I handed her my gold ribbon, she wrapped it around her wrist. She put a bow on it.

I left with my silver ribbon. Not knowing when I will tie it neatly. For now, it rests disheveled hanging from my braid, I twist and turn it thinking of the possibilities. The warm breeze catches my breath and I turn to face the streetlight. My bow comes undone drifting up into the haze of night. It has chosen for me and I smile.