Princess & the Dragon

I have become my father. A warden. I've trapped someone in their own mind and thrown away what keys I know to exist. I've let addiction get the better of myself and my princess. Sometimes I dream that she is locked in a tower. Tears of self pity cloud my vision as I look at my empty key ring. There isn't time for guilt or remorse, only to find or make another way in.

Irresponsibility. Blame. Guilt. Selfishness.

 For the first time maybe ever, I think of what life in the tower might be like. It hurts so much. The pain of isolation hasn't seemed real, not b/c it's uncomfortable to think about, but b/c i chose to think of myself first. The small glimpse that I was able to hold for a moment felt like waking from a dream. Sneaking downstairs to escape and seeing a guard is now enough to seek refuge in the familiar, comfortable prison waiting upstairs. 

 Realization. Panic. Distress. 

I know she's still there. Beyond the hardships, scrapes and bruises I see her sometimes. The smiling girl a father raised trying to tell us her story. Shedding what light she can on a situation that no one else has the compassion or strength to share. I wonder how hard it is to break the mold, to fight something that so many have succumbed to. A dagger in my heart stirs when I attempt to empathize. Why doesn't she have a true sword or shield? These things are common. A princess to fight a dragon by herself, without an army, without weapons or armor.. this would be the time in the movie when people are moved to take a stand. 

Hope. Community. Rebellion. 

Thought i haven't thought of it often, i now desperately pray for action. Wish for solutions. Seek to find the knight within myself and rally the support of others. Things will not get better on their own. Those pushed into slavery must make every effort to escape, but it's much easier if there's a safe house along the path. We must be here, a bright light in our window.. warm food and clothes in our rooms.. love and acceptance on our faces and in our hearts and minds. There is no judgement for those that have suffered. We need to patch the torn skin on the backs of those that are still enslaved and move them further from the whip. Closer to home, freedom and a life of community and true enjoyment.

Conflict. Resolution. Help.

Today it was shocking to look at the progression. "How did I get here" is only overshadowed by "where is this going". The stories of others are encapsulated in grains of sand that fill the hourglass of my life. I hope that by saving just a few grains of sand, we won't run out of time.