Solitude is something I fight with and for. It goes against my nature so much to be alone and quiet that I feel I need to tie a rope around my foot when I enter that sacred space so someone can pull me out if I end up lost!
When I finally get there, I get so in a zone that I can paint or write for hours without realizing it. I can’t wait to see what comes out of my consecrated time.
“Art oh beautiful art, how pleasant to fill my days with you without guilt or fear of reprisal!” (Esa)
This is a poem I wrote for my daughter Shannon at Christmas Time in her first year of marriage. We lived far away and I was so lonely for her I wrote this to try and guilt her to come see me. It actually worked. She came and we had a marvelous time.
Will You Come To Visit Me?
Will you come to visit me,
perhaps at Christmas Time?
I’ll give you lots of presents,
you can even open mine!
In fact, I’ll put your name
on every gift beneath the tree
and make you creamy puddings
when you come to visit me.
Can you come to visit me?
Can you come to stay?
If you come, I’ll tell you things
I always meant to say.
I’ll make up funny stories.
I’ll sing you happy songs.
Will you come to visit me
and bring your heart along?
Imagine coming all this way
because I’m missing you.
But that’s the kind of girl you are;
the sort of thing you’d do.
I’ll sew a new white dress to wear.
You bring your golden key
and unlock the chain around my heart
when you come to visit me.
Esa Everroad