We’re never so vulnerable than when we trust someone — but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy”

– Walter Anderson

It’s been six years since the last time I was sick.  I’m realizing these past two days just why it is that I haven’t missed this experience.  It really leaves you vulnerable when you feel horrible and need to rely on someone else, not only to do your work, but to help you take care of yourself.  I am filled with gratitude that I have a partner who doesn’t consider himself too busy to do the things that I can’t.  We sometimes avoid vulnerability, because the world is not always a trustworthy place; but I think we need to make it a goal so that the people we meet and love can find their way close enough to rub our soft underbellies.

Vulnerability

Vulnerable,

We greet the world

Stretching, blinking,

Reaching for comfort.

Alive.

♦

Then, gradually,

We tuck and hide

Vulnerability

Deep Inside

Our Souls.

♦

We grow shells

Where there should be wings

Shutting out

Amazing things

Alone.

♦

Life’s lessons learned,

We reach again

Stick out our heads

Toward “might have been”

We seek.

♦

What once we knew

We now must find

Body and Soul

Heart and Mind

We strive.

♦

The goal is clear

There is no doubt

As we came in

We must go out

Vulnerable.

♦

©Pamela Stead Jones 2008