This one's for Jen!

Taking off the dulling armor,

Letting down, go easy,

Stripping thoughts that harm her.

Trying not to be so queasy,

She journeys down a timeless map,

Through threads of fragile roots,

Removes her woven thinking cap

And worn out weathered boots.

Peering into antique stars,

Following slow descent,

She noticed deep and painful scars

And gazed at what they meant.

Passing worlds of long ago,

Memories of her histories past,

Times of joy only angels know

Ships that sailed without a mast.

Then, shivering naked, completely bare,

She traced her curves and brushed her hair.

Into silvered mirror she gazed,

Remembered children she had raised.

Lovers flashed before her face,

Friends of long ago.

Dance of dreams so edged with lace,

Humming softly…..sway to and fro.

Square by square and ride by ride,

She viewed her journey’s path.

The times she raged against the tide,

Or felt another’s wrath.

Free fall in silky, layered air,

Sweet truth of misty morn.

Spun dreams with tender kindest care,

Love shields her from the storm.

Beneath her roots in ground so old,

Bracelets, jewels she formed to wear.

Her heavy armor melts to gold.

She’d gone where few do dare.

So if your armor weighs you down,

And you would dance so free.

Search heart and mind, look all around.

And see what you can see.

The magic lightness will appear.

When fear is left to mold.

Laying down your shield and spear.

Time and space is yours to hold.

Get up and dance it’s not too late.

To shed what holds you back.

Open doors and unlock gate.

Leaving armor in rusty stack.