How to Shiver from the Bottom of Your Heart

You want to know

how to experience something

so moving

that it makes the bottom

of your heart shiver.

I can tell you.

First,

you need to enter

your heart’s dwelling,

throw open the shutters,

blow dust off the tables,

and notice her there,

red and black,

quivering,

gazing at you.

Then open the door,

step into life.

She may be fearful,

but she will trust you,

(she always does).

Walk with her along the snow-covered path,

let her run free in the woods

and remember her wild ways.

She’ll find you later up the path

wary, wondering how close she can get to you.

She will creep up slowly like the wild red fox

we saw on the trail on New Year’s day,

his red body bright

upon the shimmering snow.

She will be skittish and scurry away

like the fox did at the drop of your glove,

but invite her in

and wait.

Be very still as she pads

slowly home

and curls up in your chest,

the sweet scent of freedom still clinging to her.

Then turn around.

Face your life.

Don’t assume you know what will move you.

Plunge yourself into now.

Embrace the one you love

or the one you’ve longed to love

or the one who loves you,

the one you couldn’t see before.

Be naked and pure.

Be open and unafraid.

And you will feel her rise within,

pulsing,

and shivering

in ecstasy

from her bottomless depths.

[Photo credit Eli Umpierre, Laura D’Ambrosio]

SIGN UP & RECEIVE A FREE CHAPTER

Subscribe to my newsletter and receive a free chapter, news, latest blogs, as well as updates on upcoming books.