I No Longer Fear

I no longer fear the dropping shoe
They’ve both dropped—or should I say all?

And here I am.

Dropping shoes are a sure part of the journey—

The waiting, the dropping, the picking up again—

Weaves a blanket so incredibly mine

It warms me at night and 

Wraps around my shoulders as I walk through my day.

The bruises and the scars from the 

Falling down and getting up and falling down again

Can be covered with long sleeves in shame

Or worn defiantly like tattoos

Mementos to those dropping shoes that now bring smile to lips

and streaming tears in the telling

For now I know

Or should I say that I am learning

That cracks and broken pieces are the bearers of light and joy

When one sits down on the couch with them

And turns toward them with accepting embrace

And asks what brings you here, or maybe what gift do you come bearing?

Almost 3 years ago I wrote a post Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop. Time passes and our understanding and wisdom deepens. I'm seeing now the connection between sorrow and joy in life; dropping shoes just might be opportunities or invitations to something new. It's a work in process, but inspired by some recent Lenten reading and introspection, I put the above words to paper.

Nancy Perkins