She-Eagle Once upon a time, there was a woman and there was a man. They found each other in the wind, spirits connected by a power unknown. It was a strong, huge connection and it seemed they had no control over it. The powers brought them together and led them along; all they could do was follow. Their bond was tight, and they knew no other way. The man knew about women. He had learned to lead them, teach them, get them to do as he wished. The woman had knowledge as well. She knew she was being led and taught, and she still accepted her fate. Although it seemed she was weak and unaware, she was not. She was strong and loving, yet vulnerable to his advances and affection. They went on, living and loving in this dream world not of their making. They spoke of life and futures and pasts, of hopes and dreams and wishes, of castles in the sky. There was silence, and they reveled in its peace, its stillness, its beauty. And there was pleasure, pleasure most primal. Although they did not touch, their souls were entwined time after time. Their rapture could be heard throughout the heavens. Ecstasy, bliss, and the most profoundly sensual feelings coursed through their bodies night after night. And then there was a change. She found herself flying to him on a bird with silver wings, wind shrieking in her ears. Somehow, some way, they had transcended the heavens and finally, fully, they would find physical union. How could this be, how did it happen? They did not care, had no thought of why or how, no thought of consequences, only thoughts of bodies joining, sheer perfect love at long last. Their room was golden and rich with lush, soft fabric; the bed was of the softest down. Crystal and glass and colors of the deepest hues hypnotized them. He took her in his arms and no words were spoken --none were needed. They gave each other pleasure hour after hour. When they left this haven to walk, to discover the world outside, it was all different. The sky was bluer than blue, the clouds were tinged with silver and gold. Food was succulent, drink was nectar from the gods. For days they reveled in this paradise. They loved with their bodies and their minds and their souls and they were filled with the joy of it all. But it had to end, it could not last, this dream, this bliss, this glory. And when they left that golden chamber for the last time, the world had changed yet again. The sky had clouded over, the sun was gone and they knew it was ending. As the great silver bird winged its way into the air to take her back home, he walked slowly to his own transport, barely able to think. The fates had stepped in and made this happen, made it so good, so real. They knew not the price they would pay. Her world was upside down. His life was barren of any color. They could no longer find themselves as they were before; they were profoundly altered. It seemed as though the powers that ruled them now punished them for stealing those moments. The price was incalculable. Their thoughts now were disjointed, they could not connect, could not bring back the magic. Days and nights were empty, long, and oh so very, very dark. She waited for the spark to return, but nothing was the same. The person he had been seemed to have disappeared, and he could no longer find words, did not know what to say to her. So, he simply stopped. He did not tell her his fears, nor try to explain this sudden inability to communicate. He did not know how to fight these demons. His life went on, but he could not talk to her any more. The bond was broken, irrevocably severed. Their roads were no longer the same, they no longer walked together. The man went on to live his life simply, day to day. He took pleasure in the things that came to him, embraced his world. He found a new love, and he would live his life happily every after. Her heart was broken, her grief was so deep she thought it would kill her. She knew she could not exist in this new, ugly place. For days and nights--eons, it seemed-- she struggled against despair, waited, hoped, yearned for him. She felt as though her heart had been ripped and shredded. She saw no light, the days were never-ending storms in her soul. She could not eat, nothing gave her pleasure or joy. Each day was a fog of sadness. As the days wore on, her mood began to change. Instead of grief and dark feelings, anger and rage took their place. She had not done anything wrong, there was nothing to be ashamed of. Her actions had been true and real, and she began to believe she would survive. The tiniest glimmer of light glowed in the distance. There was hope and thought of the future. She struggled out of the netherworld, fought for her very life and soul. Slowly, painfully, with excruciatingly difficult steps, she made her way out of this dark, deep hell. And then, THEN, there was a shift in the universe, one that took her and grabbed her and made her aware of a power in HER, one she had not known existed. There came a day when she felt a new power, a strength, and she flew. She became a she-eagle with talons so sharp they would shred any mortal who dared cross her. She was an owl with wisdom so deep the world listened. She was a songbird filling the air with the sweetest of music. She was kind and gentle, loving and giving, peaceful and serene. Her life became one of beauty and love and profound enjoyment. People came to her and wanted to know her and she opened her arms to them. Her soul was huge, filled with grace and light. Each day brought sun and warmth and joy and a richness of life. Love came to her and she embraced her lover with passion and pleasure. There was nothing she could not do, nothing that was impossible. She soared, she sang, she danced and she lived. She is magnificent. 7/21/09