"Out There"

OUT THERE....

OutThere

you'll see it all.
The floating ends will meet and mend, and you will be yourself;

your fully-formed, though always changing, self of selves.
Every clumsy backward look will pay for itself.
Every tear you've cried, or wanted to cry, will set your broken bones.
The rips in your heart will no longer need to be guarded by steel girders,

banyan trees,

or even rice paper.
Not so much as a dragonfly's wing will you need

to cover the bludgeoned place,

to protect the private you you love so much and hope to save intact

from what has seemed years of relentless pummelling.

Go and live and love in peace, my friend,

for surely there is love to enfold you,

and life to be feasted upon;

our portion is boundless.
Love will be the more you've wanted.
You will know it when you see it.
You will love yourself as no lover has ever had the courage to love;

and the warmth you've wanted will line your pillowcases,

dance upon your windowsill, and hide at the ends of your socks

awaiting your toes.

Deborah Mears