And here we are at the end of monsoons.
Where raging rivers are unforgiving. Like we often are for ourselves. Shame, guilt, what-ifs, and resentment strip you of your power. Until the last hour of old age faces you in the mirror. With lips turned sour and your vitality forgotten.
The river of that heart leads nowhere. Let that not be your course. Let it not be mine. Let us remain open. Let us crack the rise of a new dawn—something worth hoping, for.
A story we tell in bravery. In pride. In togetherness. Of new ways. Better days. Green lights. Ocean rides to gold shores. Pages with ink not yet written before. But with sentences we already know in our depths: "I love you. I forgive you. You can do this. You can get there. We’re here. Safe. Something better is coming. And you’re a part of it. Remember."
And long before that first letter curls on paper, we shape her. Life. Anew. A place where each one reaches through, the mist, and in the midst, we extend. We search. And find the hand that encourages. Look around you. It’s likely the soul beside you, is the one who pulled you out of the fog. Or you did. At some point.
It is only then we rise. Scale mountains. Tread with steps on porous rock that only ever asks you to move with clarity. With integrity. Clean conscious. Clean vision. No division. So that with each new height, with all its might, life howls and chimes through the pines to cheer you on.
Singing your praise as you walk with the blaze of a brilliant fire. Out of the maze, out of the confusion, leaving illusions and infuse yourself with meaning.
You decide tomorrow.
Will it be sorrow?
Or borrow, the gold from the person you know within.
Let us begin.
Commentary:
‘Let Us Begin’ was written for our 68th Voices Unleashed open mic on Friday 13th January 2022.
Huge shoutout to Quinten Huigen for the supporting guitar play. About 10 minutes before the night started I asked him if he wanted to provide the music for this piece. He found the right notes within seconds. A memorable night and equally memorable moment to share the stage with such an amazing human.
Quinten is part of the Dutch-based band FRIDAY. Check them out.
Let us begin