Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Emergence

this is what I made in Marisa's amazing
Painting in a Day class at Squam




Emerge! they say, as though it were easy.
You're safe, they urge,
their own colors
dazzling
my eyes.
We wait for you to join the dance,
their invitation swirling in the air,
lingering
as though they'd wait forever,
paused
in anticipation,
expecting me.

But first, I must learn the steps, I think.
And they just smile, knowing, and
hold out their hand, waiting.

If I start, maybe they won't let me stop, I think,
I can't keep up with those who've gone before.
It only takes one step, said one.
Just one, and then you'll see.
Your dance is all your own,
one that can't be seen
or felt,
or done at all,
ever,
anywhere,
unless you take
the step.

Your dance makes ours better.

As though a veil was lifted, suddenly
I see the truth.
All the dancers, are beautiful and free,
in step, but each one different.
Each taking one step.
And another.
And another.
A symphony of single steps,
the harmony nearly too beautiful to bear.

They stop to see what I will do,
making room for me.
I see my place, my opening,
my heart racing, sinking.
I take my first step.
I remove the mask,
made by me and the voices of the world.

They gasp in surprise and recognition and joy.
I am one of their own.
As I set my foot upon the stage,
I catch a glimpse, a sliver of my image,
as I am caught up and swirled away
in the arms of my new tribe.
I see me.
For the first time, maybe.
And for the first time,
in such a long, long time.
I see.
That I
Am
Enough.

*this is what came tumbling out in my journal the other day, on the inspiration of a little stone I found in the woods at Squam, with the word "Emerge" painted on it. Its scary and raw feeling to put this out there. And really, really good.

12 comments:

lisa said...

this is so beautiful and lovely and magical and real.

* * said...

thank you for sharing this beauty!
it is lovely to read your words that flow from such creativity. it certainly is incredible the way nature can inspire us!
http://www.gardenmama.typepad.com

leonie.wise said...

wow, this is amazing!

jenica said...

i see you emerging, sweet butterfly.

xoxo

Kirsten Michelle said...

thank you so much for trusting us with your beautiful art, your incredible words, your tender heart.
you are SO MUCH MORE then enough.
xo

Anna said...

beautiful.

Rachael said...

so beautiful! thanks for sharing!

daisies said...

an incredibly beautiful piece of art and such beautiful powerful words ... thank you so much for sharing the magic you found in the woods, xo

Stef said...

love, love, love this - so happy I was gifted your friendship xoxo

Anonymous said...

oh Emme. this is Beautiful. thank you so much for being a part of class ~ loved meeting you and seeing your creativity emerge indeed.

Heather said...

"the harmony nearly too beautiful to bear." l o v e this!

deb did it said...

this painting is so amazing, fun, powerful, whimsical and HAPPY!