Signals

For it is important that awake people be awake,
or a breaking line may discourage them back to sleep;
the signals we give--yes or no, or maybe--
should be clear: the darkness around us is deep.

--from "A Ritual to Read to Each Other" by William Stafford

My dreams are metaphors lately. The kind that you understand because it matches up with your waking mind. Leaving something behind. Falling away. Cracking open.

I'd forgotten what it was like to feel, my body dull around the edges. But it's amazing what happens when you give yourself permission to feel, to open up, to say yes. Something that was dormant for you don't know how long may rise to the surface and surprise you in a way that brings you back, perhaps for good. There are people in your life that you don't allow yourself to let in until suddenly that's all you want to do. All in. And then you're so giddy with this feeling of giddiness that you don't know how to slow down.

In all cheesiness and earnestness, I've had a break through. I'm breaking through. I'm becoming again, trusting, and I'll let you in.

PURIFYING THE LANGUAGE OF THE TRIBE

Walking away means
"Goodbye."

Pointing a knife at your stomach means
"Please don't say that again."

Leaning toward you means
"I love you."

Raising a finger means
"I enthusiastically agree."

"Maybe" means
"No."

"Yes" means
"Maybe."

Looking like this at you means
"You had your chance."

--William Stafford