The vision came to me as they usually do,
In that space between dreams and the prelude of waking.
Half-conscious, mind open and blank,
Eyes still closed in contented slumber…
Then the flash, so vibrant, the intensity overwhelming.
I witness the scene in great detail,
With vivid colors and strong emotions.
I stand in the presence of that sight, a split second,
Completely immersed in the picture before me.
Then it’s gone, and I wake with a gasp, eyes wide open.
At times, I’m left in confusion,
Unable to decipher the signs I behold,
But on this occasion, the meaning was clear.
I was left with no uncertainty;
The symbol was explicit.
On a rustic, wooden table, I saw my heart.
Almost indescribable, it resembled a vase,
Open at the top so I could see inside.
It appeared to be made up of many pieces,
Put together like a puzzle.
I assumed it was breakable, like porcelain or china,
But as I looked closer, I saw the strength of its construction.
The walls; thick and sturdy,
Built to withstand hurt, loss and betrayal.
A beautiful metal, worn copper, reflected in the dim light.
Each puzzle piece had a name,
Though I could not see the writing, I knew…
They were my family, my children, my ancestors,
Dear neighbors that helped nurture me,
Childhood friendships, forged in innocence
To stand the test of age and time.
Instinctively, I peered inside to find a lover’s name,
But it was empty, vacant, containing nothing.
I wanted to feel the sadness, anger or grief
That comes with the sorrow of heartache and lost love…
I needed to see his name
Written on a tattered piece of paper, frayed and torn,
But visibly there, just to prove those years existed.
Instead, I saw the bottom of my heart,
Burnished to a fine sparkle, free and clean.
The understanding came to me abruptly,
A clarity so bitter-sweet, it took my breath away.
What’s not meant for me had been removed,
Despite my attempts to hold onto it
So dearly,
So lovingly,
So desperately.
As I began to comprehend the startling vision,
Sweet mercy came over me,
Filling me with a profound, yet calm realization.
My heart was not shattered; it was whole.
Far from weak or destroyed,
What I saw before me was exquisitely powerful...
It was time to let go, to move on.
To embrace the limitless possibilities
In the dawn of a new day, the promise of a fresh start,
The wondrous hope of new beginnings.
Staring down at that beautiful piece,
Shimmering copper on the old wooden table
In a faintly sunlit room that I did not recognize,
I saw my heart was perfectly empty…
Cherished confirmation of the progress of my healing.
Maria Angeline Pennacchi is a mom and nature lover from New Jersey.
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