Heartache

In the stillness

breath after breath

removing the fuzz.

Layer after layer;

distraction, busyness

mind loops, food,

anxiety.

Stripped away

leaving only

the ache.

In this presence,

naked heartache.

No figment

of the imagination.

Tangible

visceral

twisting, churning, burning

deep in the tissue

muscles

ribs

cartilage.

So deep

consciousness screams

to steer clear

of the iceburg

impossible to avoid.

It cuts underneath

numbed by the cold

sucking away life,

pleading for repair.

A safe harbor is needed

to slowly lift the wound

out of icy waters,

bathing our hearts

in the light.

Day by day

one by one,

filling each gash

with precious gold

of sacred remembrance.