Geodes

You don't know
what is within you
until life breaks you open
and it all flashes out:
rage courage love hate ugliness
oppression forgiveness denial
manipulation terror joy abandonment
truth-telling lies gratefulness spite
undeserved kindness.

What kind of geode will you be
when you are no longer just a person in blue jeans
and a minivan, when you are suddenly
a spectacle
a cracked-open heartfire-glowing
gem of all your most terrifying
most intimate, most gorgeous monsters made real?

Lovely and rare--the diamond few
who have met and made peace
who know their monsters well
who remain broken and shining
exposed
shameless.
Be one of them, be alive.
You don't know what is within you
until life breaks you open.


KB ©10/2/12