but a state of mind. I have been on my own and been desperately lonely. I have also been surrounded by people, married, with children, in the heart of friends, and still been lonely. Loneliness is not being on one's own. Sometimes, on the contrary, that is the release, the sanctum, from it.
Loneliness is not something to be feared either... It seems to loom in my psyche like the proverbial bearded monster under my bed, waiting, lurking, breathing heavily in the dark rooms of my mind. Now, its claws no longer scare me, its breath no longer tells me of long evenings and nights on my own, its eyes do not show me my pillows only dented on one side of the bed.
Now, I embrace it, hug it and drag it into the sunshine, and I see that its threats are like smoke that blow away on the wind, its eyes are glass and non seeing, and that its teeth are daggers created in my mind, and not in its own nature...
The monster of loneliness has been transformed into the friendly tongue hanging cocker spaniel, a constant but welcome companion. A desired and welcomed grassy path as opposed to a desperate walled up alley.
Come, let us walk a while....
Minerva
8 comments:
Loneliness is not being on one's own. Sometimes, on the contrary, that is the release, the sanctum, from it.
In a searingly true piece, these words are probably the most true of all.
Michele sent me today.
Very beautiful and insightful post, wow!
I've been reading your blog now for a couple of weeks. I identify with it. We share some similar states of being. Indeed, what drew me to your site was its title, A Woman of Many Parts.
Take care and keep up the excellent writing for as long as it lasts. May it last a lifetime.
Off-topic - I love your woman of many parts piccy :-)
This loneliness piece has made me think about when was the last time I felt this. I can identify with it but now have an amazing life and wonder just when was it I stopped feeling lonely. Thanks for the thoughts.
Terrilynn - thank you for your words - searing is such a powerful word...
tj - thank you, I am a great admirer of your blog...
Anon - how lovely to have an unknown admirer...welcome to the light..
Doris - I am so glad you are in a better place and thank you so much for commenting...
Minerva - I finally 'wrote' something. It is just how I was feeling and then in writing it I felt a little release. It is ironic that I wrote about having "stopped". This is the first I have written since before children and it was your writing that inspired me. Not only your style but because you write so much. Although I would sit and read a book of poetry it is less likely but popping by your blog every few days and reading your latest has had a really positive effect. Thank you!
I love this post Minerva. You take the sting out of loneliness.
3T
Ugh, Minerva...just getting caught up on you and this post was so fitting for my day. I crawled into my pj's after work, missing my daughter (who's with her dad), having a bad day at work, feeling lonely, and then watching "The Notebook" and feeling even lonelier. Thanks for these words.
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