Unlocking: a poem about intimate connection

Unlocking

If you are fortunate, some people will come into your life who can inspire you towards a magnificent version of yourself.

They will fit like a key into your lock. You will feel that fit.

They listen so carefully that you feel understood, and safe. They believe you when you express yourself. They insist that you keep yourself intact.

They yearn to stay connected with you. Who, when they look into your eyes, forget how to look away.

They touch your heart so firmly that your eyes leak…tears of relief, of grief, tears of laughter, upset, and gratitude.

They burnish your brilliant parts, and hold them up for you to admire. They will co-host your celebrations.

Just as you hold your broken parts in place to nurse wounds back to well, so they embrace all of you.

When you mistrust them, they lean in. When you confront them, they welcome you. Their steadiness allows you to be fragile in a way that you could never before dare risk.

Watching you drink in the nourishment they are feeding you, nourishes them. These gifts that they give you, create the world they want to live in.

Your glory is their companion.

So in order to cultivate this particular good fortune, you will practice giving all of these gifts to yourself. The truth of your tears. Leaning in, and not looking away. Embracing all of yourself, even the dark and uncomfortable parts.

In this way, you lock in the version of yourself that will fit that key.

—Basin Branch