I recently wrote this to someone: I’m ready to love and give and dream again. I haven’t had that for a very long time.

I’ve always found a way to be distant, to be removed from people. I’ll let you in…but only so far. If I let you in further, I risk something. I risk losing a piece of myself. I risk being hurt. I risk loving. I risk caring.

But don’t we all? Don’t we all risk those things?

What makes me shut the door and lock it all up?

I’ve decided to have a personal revolt. I’m unlocking that lock. I’m throwing the door wide open.

I want to feel. I want to be felt.

I want to be empowered and empower someone else.

I want to be in awe of myself and of someone else.

I want to worship that power.

—

When the Roses Revolted
Ralph Fletcher

The roses were fed up
They were sick sick sick
of being symbols for love.
One night they revolted,
crept out of flower shops,
jumped out of windows
and touched the dirt!
They spent that night
Drinking real night air,
Carousing with clover,
Boogying with bluebells,
Dancing with dandelions,
And in this way they
Rediscovered their
Roots.