Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Lonely

I can feel the chasm between us, but I can't find the bridge. I can see the tiny figure standing on the opposite side of this gulf, but they don't seem to be bothered by the distance. I've heard of personal space bubbles, but this is getting ridiculous. Isn't there a way to meet in the middle without infringing upon anyone's need for individuality and autonomy?

My goal is to try to fully understand and live by the words of Kahlil Gibran, who seemed to understand the need for both connection and distance in a relationship.

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On Marriage, by Kahlil Gibran

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together yet not too near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

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