OUT THERE by Christina O'Rourke

Out there

you'll see it all.

The floating ends 

will meet and mend,

and you will be yourself;

your fully-formed,

though always changing self of selves.

Every clumsy backward look 

will pay for itself.

Every tear you've cried, 

or wanted to cry,

will set your broken bones.

The rips in your heart 

will no longer 

need to be guarded 

by steel girders, banyan trees, 

or even rice paper.

Not so much as a

dragonfly's wing

will you need

to cover the bludgeoned place, 

to protect the private you 

you love so much

and hope to save intact

from what has seemed years

of relentless pummelling.

Go and live and love

in peace, my friend,

for surely there is love 

to enfold you,

and life to be feasted upon:

Your portion is boundless.

Love will be the more

you've wanted.

You will know it

when you see it.

You will love yourself 

as no lover 

has ever had the courage 

to love;

and the warmth you've wanted 

will line your pillowcases,

dance upon your windowsill,

and hide

at the ends of your socks

awaiting your toes.

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