The Three Hundred Sixty Fifth, December 31, 2011

and so ends the path
the last step is taken
no more going forward
a wall stands before me

one lone door closed fast
the only blemish to be seen
the rest a perfect infinity
left, right, up, down, always

standing alone with a door
wondering at the other side
what I will find beyond
knowing now that I can go

hand reaches slowly out
finding the cool of the knob
soothing the heat of expectation
contact provides point of focus

long deep breath in and out
shake out the tensions
turn the handle and push
the other side exposed at last

what vision greets me at last
after this long adventure
a vision of some better World?
no, simply my reflection in a mirror


And so we close out this year long project. It has been a great pleasure to know that you have shared it with me. I know that I have found out several things about myself, some good and some not so much. There were some laughs and a few tears shed during our time together... at least by me.

So now comes the time of evaluation - would I say this project achieved the desired objectives? On a personal level it has met and exceeded all my expectations. Truthfuly, I never was totally certain we would reach this point. There were several days I doubted I would be able to find inspiration to write. It was those moments that I gained my greatest gift, I learned to let go and ask for help, to step outside my box and share and let others be a part of the process. I could never have done it alone.

As promised, I am writing this while sailing on metal wings, high over the vast Pacific Ocean. It is dark outside. I struggle with the changing time and the question of sleep. Perhaps listening to Kevin Carmody in the headphones is helping me find a mood... perhaps not. Questions race in my mind: what will I do now? will I find a way to remain creative? and what will I do without this time with you?

Pride fills me as I realize that I have actually managed to completely fill the year. An even greater joy comes from knowing that many of you have been with me through the long and often strange trip and for that, I will always hold a special place in the core of my being with each of your names, to warm me when my soul grows cold. As for tomorrow, I do not know what it holds, but I do know this blog will remain as long as they let me.

This has been one of the most special times of my life.... I will miss it no matter whether I choose to add more pages and writings. Once again I want to thank each of you for coming along to play in my mind and I hope you found something to take away from all this as a gift... and maybe you even managed to think a little.

and so we say goodnight to 2011 and tuck it into the bed of history, close our eyes and boldly step out once more into the great unknown...