Blue Bird

To the blue bird
in your heart
who yearns to sing
and longs to fly
but is afraid
to venture out
and trust life.

Sweet friend,

Do you really believe
your imaginary cage
makes you safe,
and protects you
from the world's challenges?

I see you grow tight and tired
in the confines of that small space.
All it does is cut you off
from your life force.

Haven't you learned by now
that feeling your fears
and vulnerability
is key to freeing your energy.
How else will you access freedom
and intimacy?

Life wants to give you so much.
Won't you risk a little openness
and receptivity?

Yes, we get hurt once in a while,
but it is some kind of grand design.
The heart is a muscle
which grows stronger by tearing out
a few times.

You keep saying
you are too bruised
and damaged
to risk soaring again.

but who do you think
you are fooling
with your story?

Not me.

Can't you see your fear clips your wings,
and makes you blind to everything?

I've felt the bigness of your heart.
and seen how you caress and care for friends
with the utmost tenderness
when you let them visit your nest.

I know you enjoy feeding
on Bukowski's poetry,
but his tales of gloominess
fuel your weakness.
It is noble to bear witness
to your own darkness,
but not if it numbs you to your beauty.

Oh, go ahead and pretend all you want
that you prefer to hide away,
but I hear you flutter around,
aching to come out and play.

The door is wide open, dear heart,
The whole world is waiting
for your voice, your presence,
your loving.

Are you willing
to dive in this ocean of possibility
and take a swim?

Yes, I know it is still dark inside,
but, can't you feel dawn is breaking?
Can't you hear your soul calling?
Just tune in and listen
to what it is saying.

"it's time; it's time;
it's high time

to sing!"

~~~~~~~

This poem was written for a friend who lives by Charles Bukowski's poem, Bluebird