Heart and Mind ...

it's happened, or is happening ... the latter may be more accurate.

it begins by standing outside of one's self, and watching ... just watching. One can't stop what's happening, nor is one able to turn away and ignore it.

Mind and Heart are losing sight of each other again ... something is pulling them apart. Mind is standing strong on solid rock--at the edge of a steep dropoff, just watching Heart grabbing at the edge as she struggles not to fall. She reaches for the top of the cold rock--got it. hold on ... just a little longer ... reach
a little farther.

Mind can only see the tips of Heart's fingers now, as Heart tries to pull herself back up. But to no avail. She can feel the strength leave her. Mind watches his friend slip away--first the left little finger, then the right ... only eight fingers now ... slipping, slipping. There went three more fingers ... ah, and a small victory--Heart manages to get her right hand to the top of the rock. She slips again ...

only one hand holds her now ... and her breath can't hold her much longer.

Mind watches in a confused stupor and thick sense of horror. He doesn't seem to know how to help, or won't help ... but why?

From fear of consequence ..of befriending Heart once again. Fear of standing by Heart--his standards may be compromised. And how deeply might that friendship run? How much ought he surrender to his friend? The panic is taking over ... and he just stands there watching. without feeling, without awareness of Heart's need ... or his need of Heart ...

and Heart is slipping
... dropping
... falling
... vanishing

she tries to be brave. She cries out neither for help nor from pain, yet the quiet tear rolls down her cheek ...

when Heart and Mind begin to lose each other, there is little one can do but stand in terror, pray, and wait. Heart is struggling, and Mind ... just watching.