In order for us to know light, we must know the dark; in order for us to know pleasure, we must know pain; in order for us to know creation, we must know destruction.
She meets me briefly across the carpeted distance, dark eyes nestled in auburn, a wisp of a smile; her satin dress dissolves the light like water, and I am a man overboard, un-anchored in a shifting ocean of teal blue waves, the cross-hatched moquette a net that enmeshes us both like minnows.
I was reminded that shame may always be a companion, that no matter what I do, I can’t wholly undo shame. I don’t blame her, how could I? This is the air we breathe, the water we drink, fault and origin are less relevant than figuring how to feel ashamed and live your life anyway.