My Heart Opens

The following words were inspired by the music of Maria V Johnson. 
As a way to capture a theme emerging through our creative collaboration, she played the piano and I wrote this poem.

My heart opens

to the world

when I begin moving and

keep moving

even when I become afraid

especially when I become afraid

I go to center of the swirling

and flow

inside the stillness

and when I have something to hold onto

with my hands,

the sandstone

or the hands

of a friend,

I begin to find my balance

and my heart

begins to open more

because it feels safe

knowing trust

resides in the energy of hands

the intimacy of connection

the touch of connection

and commitment

to the creative force

that infuses all life

and holds us together

in the face of doubt and fear

tragedy and depression,

the creative force

and creative faith

keeps us alive

sustains us

maintains us

nurtures us

so that what we’ve hoped for

becomes our daily possibility...

so that what we’ve wanted is what we are living...

so that what we’ve dreamed is what we wake up to

day after day

in a performance of living in love

in the form of alliances shared

--words by Diana Tigerlily, with music by Maria V. Johnson