Been running from my thoughts for the past few days. Dodging and weaving from persistent thoughts, hoping against hope that I don't get pulled under to that place within. I can feel it slowly wrapping itself around me. Whispers of a dream, fragments of a wish, disjointed thoughts ..... all combining together into a persistent mist. Trailing after me, swirling itself around me in its sweet sweet melody. Holding me in a loose embrace. I can feel it slowly pull me under into a tight embrace. Struggling to break free, losing grip of my hold to lifes reality. Where logic and my eyes are wide open and my soul kept safe. I hold on tight for dear life, better this for now than to let my soul free.

And so I break free....for now. With a depth of sorrow I can not express, I will myself to drown out the mournful cries of my soul. I square my shoulders as a soldier would and I forge on ahead. And as I gather strength to go on, I continue my mantra. Not much longer now, just a little longer till I set you free. Not much longer now.....

To the select few who give me strength when I need it most at times like this - my thanks to you comes from deep within. In your own random ways, each of you gift me with brief bursts of joy that my soul drinks in. And yes, incase you've wondered, this thanks includes the one with hot pink cushions in his lounge. You are a gem of a find - be warned, for now that I have found you, I'm keeping you safe within my circle of "select few".

Although my words echo this melancholy sadness of my soul, smile for me. Because in each of you I take what joy there is left for me to enjoy and I drink it all in - just until this tempest within resides. Hoping that one day, I can do the same for you as what you have done (and keep doing) for me.

A ghost of a smile touches my face and slowly takes hold as I think of you all. Where ever you all are, my love goes out to you all - for this gift we share.

© Ethel Sampang 2007