Dear Shirley, Earth Angel:

I read Shirley the Scientist take on darkness, absolutely scientific. I loved the imagery of a marshmallow with spines. You wrote: “people are often being defensive covering themselves up with spines to protect the marshmallow within them.”- beautiful. Problem is when they stick their spines in another, might as well be a cactus inside as well as out- the spines hurt.

Your determination to not express your anger abusively is admirable; that you learned compassion from your experience of being bullied makes you the Earth Angel that I address in every reply to you.

You wrote: ” i am not like my parents who when they are angry, they hold grudges and keep going on and on trying to make the flame go higher. when the flame within me ignites, i throw water and let the smoke of forgiveness rise.” I thought how beautiful this imagery and articulation is and then I read you are thinking of using these words in a poem titled “Soul Fire,” a poem about strength without aggression. I am authentically impressed, deeply impressed by your thoughts and convictions. Strength without aggression, there should be a mandatory class in every high school and college by that title with a textbook by this title.

You wrote: ” i am a healer and i carry the sadness and fear of others which i will work on letting go. in this way, i act like an earth angel. for as long as my heart is beating, my wings keep fluttering and i fly above this world watching for anyone who needs my help.” My goodness, Shirley, Earth Angel- you are AMAZING!

You are amazing, strong, healer Shirley, Earth Angel!

anita