Saturday, April 17, 2010

Fools Gold


Like the craftsman gilds the edges of a fine frame, I too can guilt the edges of your world. In doing so, I cover the original portrait of your life with fools gold. Turning pleasure to pain, freedom to imprisonment, and life's ambitions to drudgery, by simply whispering the words "should have, could have" into your ear. My whispers drowning out the beating of your heart which carries the rhythm of the songs you want to sing. There is no end to what I can do.

I can make you give up your life's ambitions by looking through the eyes of your child, stretching out my arms to you, and saying, "Please don't go."

I can drive you breathlessly, recklessly across an entire continent to weep at the grave of a parent who never really loved you.

I can hobble you in the middle of the dance by pointing out that your best friend is a wallflower.

When you soar, I can ensnare you in my web of lies, and bring you back down to earth to be fitted with guilted iron boots.

And when laughter escapes your lips, I can shame you with the knowledge that those around you are grieving.

Yes. I can do all these things, but only you can give me this power by choosing the fools gold I offer you. I am guilt. Pass me by in your seach for life's treasures.

2 comments:

Luke Leger said...

How true. Guilt is a powerful thing. Best to just push it away and enjoy the moment.

Eva Marie Sutter said...

Sooo good! I recently had a guilt clearing when my childhood dog Merlin was dying. I told him in my mind how sorry I was that I should have been there more for him, took him outside more for walks, petted him more, but the moment he died, I felt his presence so strong around me as pure love and there was absolutely no place for guilt. He accepted me as I was. Thanks for reminding me of that, Flutterby.