Precious, secret, interior spaces

            When I was about eight years old I discovered a secret hiding place in a giant white pine in our front yard. About fifteen-feet up, four massive branches extended out and up from a natural platform that fit my body perfectly. At sunset after a rain, I marveled at the drooping clusters of pine needles, sparkling with raindrops. It was my “Silver Chamber,” and whenever life leaves me worried, stressed, angry…I close my eyes and take myself there.
            There have been one or two others – precious, interior, meditative spaces, where I feel the perfection of the universe, secure, at peace.
            This morning, my last morning with Fiona, I sang her to sleep on my chest, felt the tension leak out of her restless body and settle against me. I closed my eyes to soak in the fullness of the feeling, and tears welled. I don’t pray much, but “Thank you Gods” chanted in my brain. Here is another heart home, another precious, secret space to return to again and again.
 
My 60th year in 60,000 words
Day 318: 170 words, TOTAL = 51,887; 8,113 remaining