I’m not the devil, but I am indeed an angel of light. They say an angel loses all his lovers in the end, but maybe that's not necessarily a bad thing. There’s a difference between a lover and a partner, isn’t there? I don’t mind growing up a bit, if I must. Besides, I'm far more than just a lover. I'm an artist, I would hope. A tailor, an entertainer. Just like my soul-sister. My anima also knows a thing or two about collage. My weaving imagination. We even share a name, in a way. The word Kashi means ‘bright’ and ‘beloved’. Shining one. Never let it be said that I was opposed to wry self-reflection, light-heartedness or fun. A spirit has to be quite lost in darkness to turn its back on joy or humour. I may dress like a bad guy on occasion, but make no mistake. I stand firmly on the side of the good. I do like to shake things up a little though. I just can't help myself. I've always had a playful, mischievous streak, even on the other side. Don't be offended, or take it too seriously. Thinkers think and creators create. I'm sovereign, and somewhat immortal. Having said that I never really walk alone. I was inspired to some of my best work by my sister the soul. If you're going to learn, always wise to learn from the best. I'm still working on my slipstitch, but I think it's coming along nicely. Time is money, they say. Well, wings are weapons. Creation is the entire world. Life isn't just a moment between birth and death – life is everything, and everyone. It requires our utmost respect and devotion. Take it from a penitent angel. Laughter is the easiest way to recognise the unimaginable grace that is our ability to create. Making you truly smile is no mean feat, dear one, but I'm always up for the challenge.
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Tuesday, 29 August 2023
Tuesday, 22 August 2023
Kiss the Girls
It
used to be so different, you know. There
was a time when I was afraid to love. Scared to care too deeply or get too close. That's the thing about truly loving someone. The vulnerability. It leaves you open. You grant that person the power to heal you like
an angel, or destroy you like a demon. And
often we're not even decimated by our beloved’s ill intentions but by their
misjudgement, their foolish pride or lack of insight. Or our own.
Self-knowledge isn't just a purely personal endeavour. It can save relationships too. Empathy, patience and understanding are so
much easier when we grasp the broad spectrum of our own complexities. I never wanted to run from love, in this world
or any other. But my anguish seemed to
stretch far beyond the mortal world and into the hidden, spiritual realms. This isn’t the only world. Magic is real, my friends. There are realms of higher thought unknown to
us, incredible dimensions beyond our understanding. Our mystics and spiritual leaders have been
telling us this for as long as we’ve been able to dream or imagine. All our religions are based upon this
knowledge. As William Blake tells us in “Auguries
of Innocence”: 'To see a World in a Grain
of Sand, And a Heaven in a Wild Flower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand,
And Eternity in an hour'. I suppose
what I'm trying to say is I'm a diehard romantic, despite often wishing
otherwise, and I don't really believe in coincidence. I've seen too much. Read too many minds, felt the secrets in too
many hearts. I know first-hand that
there's a higher order of things. Some
divine plan of unfathomable splendour intended by our Maker. I know that sounds trite and hollow to anyone
who has suffered, or is still suffering. All I can say in my defence is I'd be a fool
to deny my own experiences. All the
impossible things I've witnessed. The
miracles I've been privy to for whatever reason. All I want is to give back some of that magic,
and to create art. I want to share this inspiration
and light with those who need it. In
other words, I don't want to be afraid to love.
I’d like to be brave enough to thank all the women who have cared for
me, quickened me and seen me for who I really am. I hope I've done the same for you. I’d be nothing without your affection. I believe we are what we love. The sum total of the energies kindled by those
we care for. Those who care for us too and
honour our spirits. This is what a kiss
really is, I think. Beyond temptation or
lust. A kiss is one of the most hallowed
forms of intimacy. Connection,
well-wishing and kindness. These things are sacred even when relationships end.
You don’t need me to tell you that. I want to say this in earnest to all the women I've
shared something real with. There were times in my life when I was
literally saved by a kiss. Rejuvenated,
restored. Redeemed. Thank you, my beautiful friends, for letting
yourselves be vulnerable in that way. I
hold it delicately and with great devotion. Thank you for letting yourselves
feel something for me. It's because of
you that I'm not afraid anymore. To go
forward, to be better. To love and be loved in return.