The Scalding

June 22nd, 2010

The drip-drip of water into the pot.
Setting it on the stove,
I turn the dial slowly to “Hot” and watch
And wait.
The result is already known:
Heat + water = boiling and steam.
As the bubbles form at the bottom,
I stick my hand over the pot to feel
The heat rising.  And rising.
And rising.
Not ready yet though.
Finally, cascading to the surface – it’s time.
I plunge my hand in,
Feeling the water scald my skin,
My muscles and nerves screaming out.
But I cannot pull back.
The pot must be emptied.
Inside, I’m shouting, “No, no, NO!”
But I raise the pot over my head
And pour the rest out.
As the boiling water joins my tears,
My cheeks red from shame, pain, and fears,
I set the pot in the sink.
The drip-drip of water into the pot.
I’ll be healed when it’s full, to do it again.

——————————————-

Sorry…don’t be scared by this.  It was something inside that I had to let out and this was the best way.  Thanks for reading.

Here are some things to note about my birthday this year:

First off, kudos to me for sharing a birthday with Burl Ives and Harriet Beecher Stowe (love Uncle Tom’s Cabin, she and I were/are kindred spirits.  I look forward to meeting her one day!)  Ok, I know I didn’t have much to do with when I was born, but I’m having a great time today. 
Others of note:  Donald Trump, Sam Wanamaker, Boy George, John F MacArthur, and Yasmine Bleeth. 
Oh, also, it’s Flag Day!…and Family Day, according to Holidays.net.  Oh, and they’re celebrating the Queen’s birthday today in Australia, but not in Western Australia…go figure.

I remembered that I was born on a Thursday and wanted to find that song, you know, “Monday’s child is fair of face…”  Well, Thursday’s child has far to go (maybe that’s why I love to travel so much).  But when I typed in “Thursday’s Child” into wikipedia, there came up a song by that title by DAVID BOWIE of all people!  For those who do not know, I have a semi-neurotic obsession with The Bowie.  He’s amazing.  I’m sure he was doing something incredible on my birthday.  I would love for him to be saved so that I could be sure to hang out with him in the future.  Alas…and the lyrics are amazing!

Second, I have had: 

38 comments on my FB (as of 1:30p), make that 39

1 Birthday package (from Tokyo, no less!)

5 Birthday phone calls (one from Tennessee and another from Australia and yet another from my Togolese friend)

one box of assorted doughnuts (from the boss, yeah!)

Two birthday cards with money (thanks grandparents!)

Three birthday cards with two gift cards, accompanied by three visitors at my workin place (Thanks Dad, Bronlyn, and Jason!!)

A few birthday texts, I can’t remember all of them, and for some reason, they’re harder for me to track.

Dinner with my momma at Chili’s

And apparently someone sent me flowers, but I have yet to find out 🙂

Oh!  And God gave me a rainbow!!!!!! 🙂

Third, a few things have happened in the world:

Jimmy Dean died…yum.  (not yum that he died, but yum, sausage) Oh, that was yesterday…alas.

Wikipedia has just informed me that it was on this day, 3 years ago (has it really been that long), Ruth Graham died.  She was an amazing woman.

The Gulf of Mexico BP Oil Spill continues to grow and devastate

Riots and violence flood over Kyrgyzstan

South Africa hosts the FIFA World Cup (Japan wins over Cameroon!! And Italy at least tied with Paraguay!!)

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton announces the 2010 10th Annual Trafficking in Persons Report.
http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2010/…fitting.

*sings* Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, born I was….

So, I read an article on Crosswalk.com early this morning about traveling by yourself if you’re single.  I love to travel, and now that I have a better car, I would love to head out a bit more and explore cities somewhat nearby.  I tend to be pretty bold and daring, so a city with a dangerous reputation doesn’t frighten me…I’ve lived overseas and been in some pretty risky cities: you have to develop some mad skills to get around safely.  Yes, I said mad skills.

If I’m living near Cincy, OH, right now…what are some places that you would recommend?  Maybe stay at a B&B?  Anything in particular you think I should see in said city?  I’m willing to travel around in a two state radius by myself and by car. (although I dearly love flying).  Oh, and maybe I could come visit some of you! 🙂

Thanks for your input!