Back in Black

Well, maybe not actually in black, but I am back. In fact, today I am rather colorful, adorned in my rainbow-print Hurley thermal and a pair of warm, purple leggings that probably aren't appropriate to wear to work but, hey, it was cold this morning. Today is one of those days that you do not want to take your pajamas off, hence my decision to remain quite cozy and toasty with them on. The weather has quite rapidly turned bleak and, though thankful for the conclusion of those eerie, 70-degree November days, I am continually underprepared for the cold climate, even after two years of living in New England.

As I mentioned below, my dear, I am sorry for the brief hiatus in my writing. I do not mean to deprive you of my nonsensical ramblings, which I know you constantly look forward to. (Ha!) But in all seriousness, I have missed you. As pathetic as this is going to sound, I have come to depend on you, on this bizarre, unilateral relationship we have. In truth: I love you. I love that I can tell you anything and everything, without fear of judgment. I love that I can pour out my emotions and frustrations and longings, knowing that there is some human entity who cares. You give me the freedom to express myself and believe that my voice does not go unheard and, for that, I see us as one.

An excerpt from Pablo Neruda's "Sonnet XVII" has been hovering round my head for days now. As an aficionada of Neruda's work, and poetry in general, I felt compelled to share it with you. Personally, I think the poem is more beautifully read in Spanish but, for the linguistically challenged, the English version is also quite lovely:

"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving
But this, in which there is no I or you,
So intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
So intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close."

How clearly Neruda articulates the unity that I so desire. His words resound in my mind, the connection between two lovers separated by flesh, space, time... This is the reason that I am so happy to be able to write again. Words hold immeasurable meaning for me, the bridge between two isolated minds, the way our thoughts are able to penetrate the infinite spaces between us. At long last, after several tempestuous weeks of graduate work and a never-ending cycle of caffeine highs and withdrawals, my studies have entered a temporary period of quiescence and I can finally pick up where I left off on this exploratory journey. The weeks to come will be filled with photographs and art and expression and all of the things my heart has been earnestly and vainly craving for all too long. Thank you for your patience. I look forward to continuing this love affair we have and the remembrance that I am never, ever alone. And please, never forget: neither are you.