[Gentle Tiger]

afraid of what will happen next
heart pounding like a semi-automatic
but looking into the eyes of her spirit I see safety

I want to open up
I want to show her what no one has been allowed to see
I want to take her inside where all have been forbidden to enter


What is happening?


I stand in front of her
her eyes telling me she is not afraid
her spirit gently envelops me, reassuring me she is strong and she is ready


I unbutton my shirt and I lower my trousers
she immediately sees past that which is skin and bones
she sees the bandages and all the scars


A storm is raging.


I want to run. I want to hide
yet I want to stand and let her read my Braille
I am conflicted


Slowly I remove the bandages which cover my being; no words are spoken
cautiously I guide her hand over my scars, communicating spirit to spirit how they were gotten
petrified yet yearning, aching for her to see, to understand


Thunder rolls. Lightning crashes.


She caresses me and kisses me as I show her the intricate scars over my heart
She applies healing balm to my open sores with her eyes
She gently whispers, "I am still here. I am not afraid."

And she speaks healing to my soul
As I stand before her allowing her to see my naked, wounded soul
I realize for the first time what has happened, what is happening.


There is a gentle and quiet rain.

I am being seen.
I am being cleansed.
I am free.
I am being healed.
I am whole.