The Mind's Child
©copyright 1988 Bonita M Quesinberry
That unbidden emotion, profound in its intensity, exciting yet fearful, remains without rhyme or reason, without beginning or conclusion, without control. Still, it is there, stirred to life as effortlessly as a light breeze disturbs autumn leaves in a sigh, a passing thought, in memory recalled of a time past in song, or by simply the sound of a resonant voice over lines of distance.
An explanation is impossible, at least for the fear of it and a greater dread of no reciprocation, the apprehension of embarrassment, and— yes, call it all rejection. But, then the insanity of this emotion, kindled of nothing, stoked by no one, demands a logical reason, a sensible explanation.
Was it not kindled? Simply by the mere presence of another’s strength and compassion? Was it not stoked by the reactive emotion itself and out of the need of its possessor? Perhaps. Or, is it that a greater power is in control, guiding two individual emotions toward one for a whole, shared, complete passion?
Time seems not to diminish its power, and it is surely tried each day somewhere and everywhere in the world. Explain it? Fear prevents further examination, analysis; but, even greater, so do the span of miles between north and south, between cold and warmth— between empty and fulfilled.
To describe such fiery feelings is to imagine a scene of myriad landscapes and elements, all dramatically different: dizzying mountain heights and endless desert plains, crystal snow-laded slopes and tropical hideaways, raging thundering storms and the quiet calm of cool waters. Of the heart’s desire, all things rolled into one and, yet, not without imperfection for reality, part fantasy. Or, is it just a pipe dream? Something not quite attainable, giving only part but not parcel? One sided?
Once, in a child’s heart, it was all so real; but, time and pain and society said, “You are an adult now. Those ideals, those emotions no longer apply.” And the child becomes of age to wander aimlessly, disillusioned; its dreams, softness and purity left behind to grow lonely in a forgotten toy box. And that is to be an adult?
Would that all could return, at least in mind and spirit, to the crystal clarity and simplicity of a child’s heart and soul: to give so freely with abandonment, without terror and reservation. For it is a choice emotion— romantic in its very nature, loving by its display, exciting in its strength, forever adventuresome and playful; yet, it is singularly minded as flames leap to life between two kindred souls.
An explanation? Need there be one? Suffice it to survive in supreme simplicity, to forever grow despite society's woes? So profound in its intensity it can grow and survive if only ever so lightly fanned that the flames may leap to greater heights, even to mindless ecstasy. Where without that kindred soul, might it die? Each ember consumed of ash? Neither time nor distance seems to alleviate its passion to give, to share, even without a kindred spirit.
No, there is no rhyme or reason. It just is and, yet, is not; has no alpha or omega; remains nameless, faceless, without shape or form unless and until— it becomes reciprocal, accepted and shared freely, openly. Neither written between lines or spoken innuendo, but shared in the simplicity of the mind's child and heart to live forever until only death it does part. Even then, does it part? No. Oh, no.
What is this indefinable emotion? Could it be none other than love? Shy away you foolish adult! For you allowed the child in you to die. Is there no resurrection, no rebirth, as it were? Joy of joys, there is, but only you can breathe life back into the child. Only then will there be no barriers of time, distance, and buried emotions. Simplicity regained.
Why? The question has been asked so many times to no avail. Can the heart see and hear what the eye and creative mind cannot? But, if it can, then why does it not enlighten the mind's eye? Or, must one so afflicted quite simply, logically, hold back— a fear of pain; or, should one brave uncertainty, believe hidden dialogue where there should be none, reach across distance that is or is not?
A child would forge forward without fear, absolutely certain that what he or she gives will be returned abundantly; alas, until its hand is slapped away time and time again. Sadly, freedom to reach, to trust, yes, even to feel intensely passionate emotions becomes smothered by rejection. Stifle the child and die.
Full circle we've come yet is an answer not found for such irrational feelings, unwarranted desires? Still, its depth remains and has done since before time. What must be done either to lay it to rest or nourish it into full bloom? I cannot answer, for if I could then I would know why there are others to whom I, too, could not reciprocate in kind.
Oh, the agonies and ecstasies of that unbidden emotion, overwhelming in its intensity while providing its own answer within the bearer— if but only sought. For love is above and beneath, all around— and, yes, even in us. Love is God, in God and of God given, received of Him and shared by choice. Pity us if we do not so choose.
Author notes
Contest Word Prompt: Elusive
In a list
- Depth of Thoughts • next in list
- - Humbled by Wisdom...I Hear - • next in list
- Trophies of GREEN • next in list
A contest entry
- THROW YOUR DUCKS and WRITE LIKE YOU MEAN IT by badnovocaine.
2100 points, ended March 8, 6 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - GIVE ME YOUR BEST PROSE by HereComesTheSun.
900 points, ended September 2, 32 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
The Heart Never Lies. Listen Quietly for Truth.
Comments
1 - 14 of 14
-
I'm Blessed!
Oh mother dear, so many years ago and this writng is so prevelant today...I was deeply inspired. Blessings.
-
Thank You!!
Beautiful piece Sis and Love the words the message
My Heart felt touched deep by Wisdom spoken~ You are a Gem and this shines~ takes the Reader on a Joyous Journey with much to inhale but refreshing to digest Loved this and You SisBon!!
Felt Serene upon reading~
I will be back to read more~ 
Thank You for sharing Your Heart and Spirit~
Many blessings to You in all You do Sweet Soul
Best wishes in the contest too
with much love & light~ Desire~*~
-
Wow this write leaves alot
to think of....and that is good we should consider what God attributes are and at least make an effort
to try and meet that goal! well Done My sis Bonnie
Blessings
Rend
-
-
Thank you, sweetheart! Hope you are doing well. Alas, I was down all day yesterday and didn't even turn on my computer. Much improved today.
Luv ya, SisBon
-
-
The Goddess of love has a thousant names and a thousant faces
Eros her son is both love and sex, without sex nothing would exist anywhere in the whole Universe
I think is the wrong word to use, people say let`s make love, not have sex
My point was, that in our days this act of loving has become a sin -
-
Hmmm? Well, my darling brother, I think that more than sex being a sin-- if adultery or fornication-- in this day and age it has become a sport containing nothing of love and sanctity. Thank you for adding this thought-provoking comment to your earlier one!
Luv ya tons & more, SisBon
-
-
wow - even with my mind clogged with sinus right now, this was a deep, wonderful read. I definitely will come back to it when I am thinking more clearly (and not as dizzy...lol).....
but I love the depth in this, yet its simplicity also. When we were young, our innocence saw beauty in everything, we believed in everything without questions. Then.....time, and life, started changing our perceptions; we started to question; we started feeling insecure at times; we learned to fear; 'dirt' covered the beauty......so many things changed when the innocence was destroyed.
but, as you said, it is all very simple.....Love is God.
Excellent write - I will come back to this!
best wishes in the contest.
-
-
Thank you, sweet Sis. I'm sorry you've not been feeling well, but I know the feeling. I was so ill yesterday that I didn't even turn on my computer. Today is much improved, ran errands and had dinner with friends. Satan loves to stomp on me when he thinks I'm getting the truth to someone he thinks he has deceived.
Luv & hugs, SisBon
-
-
Yes Love is God, is what the ancient Greeks said
But now, love is sin
Alot to ponder in this write
-
-
Ah, but dearest brother, it depends on what is being called love. Love is a choice, sex is chemistry and one has nothing to do with the other.
Luv ya! SisBon
-
-
Beautifully Written and True!
This write on love all flows together masterfully...How you reason about our child of our past has always been looking for unconditional love, and we find it in God....Him alone, then with others....You have thoughtully planned this write, and it is a masterpiece..
-
-
Thank you, sweet Sis! I think what prompted this write is the fact that everything that occurs in our adult life is dramatically impacted by our childhood; some things of which we are aware, but not sure how to change, and other things began before our memories kicked in. I firmly believe everyone, no matter how well adjusted, can use a bit of counseling; just as long as God is a part of it.
Much luv & hugs, SisBon
-
-
I loved this!! Its was so deep and emotional, kind of read like spoken word also, I didn't know if you meant it to be that way or not. But it sounded good. I almost thought you picked one of the quotes, but this one word prompt you did very well.
Why? The question has been asked so many times to no avail. Can the heart see and hear what the eye and creative mind cannot?
That's awesome.
-
-
Thank you, dear one. I was rather torn by one of the quotes and the word I chose, feeling that either one worked well with this particular piece. I am so glad you liked it. Of course, fairly soon your job of judging will be cut out for you; there are so many exquisite poets on this site.
Luv & hugs, BonnieQ
-
Adding your comment:
1 - 14 of 14
