Don’t Flinch

I’m at my aunt’s house, locked in the office so I can blog and twitter and maintain my online presence after the family picnic. I’m singing softly to myself, as I am wont to do. My usual selections are from The Scarlet Pimpernel, and I have just finished “Storybook” – there is only one perfect storybook ending, that is the end of pretending, that is the moment I say love me now – when I glance around the room. On the desk above me is a black and white photograph of a schoolgirl; I don’t know whom. Tucked into the frame is a yellowed newspaper clipping. I can’t help myself, I pluck it out and read. And now I’m sharing it with you, with a lump in my throat.

THE TIME IS NOW

If you are ever going to love me,
Love me now, while I can know
The sweet and tender feelings
Which from true affection flow.
Love me now
While I am living.
Do not wait until I am gone
And then have it chiseled in marble,
Sweet words on ice-cold stone.
If you have tender thoughts of me,
Please tell me now.
If you wait until I am sleeping,
Never to awaken,
There will be death between us
And I won’t hear you then.
So, if you love me, even a little bit,
Let me know it while I am living
So I can treasure it.

- Author Unknown

This is what I’ve been saying all along, in between the metaphors and the snark, if you lean close and listen for the whisper underneath.

You only have one life. Don’t flinch from it. Don’t be afraid to live the life you want – need – can have. It’s not easy – nothing worthwhile is. The fight to get there will make the arrival that much more meaningful. I know. I’m doing it.

I know how I can sound, safe behind a computer screen, anonymously telling you that yes, you too can turn your life upside down. Well, you can. I can’t promise it’ll work out for you. I can’t tell you how it’ll work out for me. I’m not even suggesting you should. But maybe you should. Maybe you are the person who needs to hear this. So, I’m saying it and hoping you’ll be open.

Don’t flinch.