However long it takes, whatever you need to heal from, here is your permission slip to take all the time you need.  May you have the strength to face it. May you create something beautiful from it.  May you rise from it.  

Edge of a Memory

I stood at the edge of a memory

Fearless and full of fear

Not sure if I should jump

Daring myself to dangle from it’s pain

Toes inch back deciding not to jump

Instead I dove

Into it’s wasted space

Tousled through tears and doubt

Banging against jagged walls of shame

Echos of embarrassment from every direction

Falling falling falling falling falling falling

Through time.

To the girl on the other end of the memory.

Curled up and crying.

To lift her chin.

To stand her up.

To dance naked in the living room to the beat of her blood.

Arms flickering above her head like flames

Hips hot

Swaying and swirling

And when I knew she would keep dancing, I could return to its edge.

Elbows on the table.

Hands tucked under my chin.

Grin of satisfaction.

And watch her dance at the edge of a memory.

-Jaime Lara Shannon Kurowski