Last Light in the Storm

Published March 2, 2009

Last light in Yosemite Valley during a snowstorm.

Why am I afraid to dance, I who love music and rhythm and song and laughter?
Why am I afraid to live, I who love life and the beauty of flesh and the living colors of earth and sea and sky?
Why am I afraid to love, I who love?
Why am I afraid, I who am not afraid?
Why must I pretend to scorn in order to pity?
Why must I hide myself in self-contempt in order to understand?
Why must I be so ashamed of my strength, so proud of my weakness?
Why must I live in a cage like a criminal, defying and hating, I who love peace and friendship?
Why was I born without a skin?

Oh God, that I must wear armor in order to touch or be touched.

- Eugene O’Neill, from  The Great God Brown