Stop Avoiding Me

by Leslie Shalduha

Scent of ponderosa pine fills my senses

As I lie on a yoga mat

Learning heart math meditation

I am asked to listen to my heart

Awkwardly, I send a silent message to her

“What do you want to say,

I am listening”

Almost before I finish the question

A booming voice deep inside me

She says -

“Stop avoiding me”

I laugh out loud

Startling those meditating nearby

Who giggle nervously

She is right, I know

My choice made, however unconsciously

To close the road to freedom

From grief, loss, pain

Rage

But she is rising up

Demanding her satisfaction

Given time and space

To make her move

She releases the tide of emotion

She allows the dyke to fail

She rides that wave of newfound freedom