Woman on the Verge of Paradise: Remembering Paradise

 

Sign reads "May you find Paradise to be all its name implies."

Thanks for joining me on the verge of Paradise, as this chapter of my life unfolds. If you're new to Life by Chocolate, or just madly trying to catch up with your blog reading (Can we ever truly catch up?), this non-fictional story begins here. My last Paradise post is this one. While I strive for accuracy regarding place and time, I alter names as I see fit.  

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Remembering Paradise

Sometimes it’s easy to remember Paradise is nearby, like when

I awake safe and warm.

But then I forget when

The neighbors blast Rush Limbaugh on their radio.

And I remember again when

I notice my favorite bumper sticker on someone else’s car: “Well behaved women rarely make history.”

But then I forget when

A young family waits patiently for help at the free clinic, the children appearing sick and disheveled.

And I remember again when

I spy kids delightfully running and playing in the yard behind the clinic.

But then I forget when

Loneliness hits. This is not the life I always dreamed of.

And I remember again when

I write.

But then I forget when

I stare at the screen, frozen by page fright.

And I remember again when

The words flow out of me.

But then I forget when

I have nobody to share the journey with.

And I remember again when

I receive the message: “Soandso from Suchandsuch dating site wants to meet you!”

But then I forget when

I read Soandso’s ad: “I’m heavely tattooed. If you can’t deal with that, move on. I like going out to bars and stuff but I also like staying in for quite nights on the farm.”

And I remember again when

I don’t respond.

But then I forget when

The winds and rain start back up.

And I remember again when

The sun comes out.

But then I forget when

I learn of good, innocent people suffering here and across the world.

And I remember again when

I awake safe and warm.