For many years, I have been the figurine on the mantle, the clock in the kitchen, the knob on the door, the spiderweb on the ceiling, the lantern in the street, the crevice in the tree, the bench at the train station, the sign at the pier. Most of the time I go unnoticed, so I do most of the noticing. I watch people come and go like characters in a movie. I listen to fights as a couple waits for the next train. I watch the misunderstood sibling play make-believe alone in his room. I see the look of sorrow the daughter has because her parents are too busy to hear her excitement. I watched the couple walk by, spark in their eyes, dwindling year after year, slowly, forgetting why they got married in the first place. I hear all the things that want to be said when someone is actually listening to someone who actually cares.  I feel the ripple of the broken heart trying to mend itself so they can go to bed and peace and not pain. I watch the widow watch the oceans tides alone. I tick by one second at a time in a world too busy to sit down for a cup of tea. 

I watch. I listen. I hear. I feel at all.

What’s really going on here? Because that email can wait. “Good” is the last thing I want to hear when I ask you how you are. She looks excited, let’s ask her to tell us about it. They’re screaming at each other, maybe they just need a refresher on how to hug. Do you need someone to just listen to you? You’re in good company because I have big ears and an even bigger heart. Hey, who’s got a free shoulder to lean on, because this lady could sure use one. 

Let’s burn the laundry list of all the things we need to do, everything we are supposed to be, and afterwards let’s just run around naked, because let’s face it, that’s all we’ve ever wanted to do. Your husband died? That must be tough, tell me about him. What makes you smile most when you think about him? I have a box of tissues too, and when you’re done telling me about how great he was and how hard it is to fall asleep not having his body there next to you, let’s go cry to the moon.

Hello lover, friend, mother. Instead of fighting, let’s just talk about it and then go roll in the mud after. He there stranger, sorry you’re having a bad day, come on over and cruise in God’s lane. 

So tell me…

What do you dream about? 

What frightens you most? 

What excites you? 

When do you feel most alive? 

What’s it like to be in love? 

What does your heart stand for? 

Who are you? 

Why are you sad? 

What little things bring you joy? 

What do you want most for people to know about you? 

How do you like your eggs? 

What makes the world keep spinning? 

Are we going to die? 

Will I see you again? 

Did you live a good life? 

What’s it all about? 

Love – the sensitive girl with the ginormous heart who likes to play.