Confined: The Understory

Or, How to be free…

You’re stuck in a river gorge.                                                                                                                                   The water’s rising.                                                                                                                                                     You’re confined by your fear.                                                                                                                                         Say this:      Move me through. The quick ones survive.

You’re stuck in a life of expectation and excellence.                                                                                            The tension’s rising.                                                                                                                                                 You’re confined by shame and panic.
Say this:     There is no right – or wrong – way to make art. Or life. You gotta let it go.

Or say you’re stuck waiting to get married.                                                                                                        The desperation is rising.                                                                                                                                        You’re confined by your limited assumptions.                                                                                                   Try asking:     Is there a dream you didn’t know you have?

When you’re stuck in your head, or Wisconsin, or in a ditch                                                                           And the shock is rising,                                                                                                                                                    Listen to your people.                                                                                                                                                Then say:       You are brilliant! Shine!

You’re stuck in reality, without a movie montage,                                                                                               And your frustration is rising.                                                                                                                                You’re confined by your unreal expectations.
So say this:     I am enough just as I am.                                                                                                                Then take a bow.

When you’re stuck in holding cell                                                                                                                              And the need to pee is rising,                                                                                                                                      And you’re  confined by the pressure of a surveillance camera,                                                                  Sing,  Bennie & the Jets!   and let it go…

When you’re stuck in prison                                                                                                                                      And the sense of defeat is rising,                                                                                                                            When you’re confined alone, solitary                                                                                                                What is there to say?                                                                                                                                                    Say whatever helps you survive.                                                                                                                               Say,    I have dignity.      

When you’re stuck in a life of hell defined by violence and hatred,                                                            When the need for release is rising,                                                                                                                             When  you’ve been confined your whole life,                                                                                                   Then say,    Let it go                                                                                                                                                                 Or just say whatever sets you free.     

And, if you’re ever stuck giving the Heimlich maneuver                                                                              And the piece of (let’s say it was) chicken most definitely is not rising                                                         And you find yourself confined by the need for glory,                                                                                   Say this:   3, 2, 1… huAGH                                                                                                                                               And, if appropriate,    You’re welcome.    

Be free, tenx9nashville, this is your story.

Big thanks to Kristen, Tricia, Kalli, Kendra, Erika, Jennifer, Jeannie (& Jacob), Cynthia, & Geoff for a wonderful night of story telling.        – Cary.