If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
--Death Cab for Cutie
"You don't have to do it, you know," he said.
Her eyes returned to his. Just for a moment. "Do what?"
"Suffer alone. By yourself."
"Who says I'm suffering?"
"Some people have a darkness," he said. "They fight hard not to be alone. But no matter how hard they try, they can't shake the feeling."
"You think that's me?"
"Yes."
"Maybe I don't want to shake the feeling," she said.
"No way. You're not one of those people who wrap themselves safe and tight in their pain."
"So, are you one of the dark ones too?" she said.
"Yes. And no."
"Oh?"
"I know the enemy well," he said. "I know how to pry him out of the dark."
"Really," she said.
"Yes."
This time the mineral strength in her eyes held him.
"You don't have to do it, you know," she said.
The usual tide of confidence in his mind stumbled. "I don't?"
"No," she said. "I know how deep it goes. Especially for you."
"What do you mean?"
"You've teamed up with your own enemy," she said. "But in the end, loneliness isn't a good companion. It always betrays you."
He thought for a moment.
His voice grew quiet. "You're right."
"I know," she said. "So here's what you do. Let me stand with you instead."
(Dedicated to the people who choose to stand with us and push back against the dark.)
16 comments:
Well said.
I love how each of them is strong and vulnerable here. That they can only sense this duality in the inherent challenge, and sense of acceptance, that exists between them.
It does take courage to acknowledge the darkness, and reach towards the light.
Great song, too, Jason. :)
Do the ones in the dark still consider themselves the heroes?
I really like this song...who will stand by the side and not behind or in front just beside when the wind blowing and the thunder come rolling in?
I like the round feeling of this vignette, and the way the "helper" becomes the "helped" in the end.
The dark is alluring and scary...
It's good when you have someone to stand with you against the dark...
I absolutely adore this!!!
Fabulous :D
Precie, much appreciated. :)
Sarah, strong and vulnerable combining...in safety and support...and in rare beauty. Yes. That's the essence of it. It's a rare gift to embrace the duality, and prevail. Thank you. :)
Charles, no, not heroes. Travelers, perhaps. Always ready to catch an eye and bridge that invisible, but seemingly insurmountable, gulf between two hearts and minds.
Fancy, it's a beloved position, yes. How many can we really count on to occupy it?
Vesper, one can become so accustomed to the dark. Even when it's hated. These moments are rare, when two people occupy the tiny spaces around the fulcrum. Tipping between helper and helped without thought or effort.
Midalysa, thank you. :) Anyone who understands what I'm talking about here gets a knowing nod from me across the dark spaces.
what a beautiful piece...
I truly love this particular piece. It speaks to me, and it would probably make me cry if I were in a certain mood. The line that touched me the most was: You've teamed up with your enemy.
Really nice, especially combined with the song.
Let us all stand firm and push against the dark. Yes!
Angel, thanks. :) It was a special philosophy of mine I was exploring.
Chris, thank you for telling me. It's special to me to hear how this penetrated something deep in you. You can feel the burden lightened, even in a small way. I understand.
Aggie, glad to have another dedicated warrior on board. :)
It's a beautiful thing in friendship when people are willing to make themselves vulnerable to tempt another 'off the precipice'.
The song and the video were lovely too.
a truly amazing lyric that you encapsulated and expounded upon here...
oh i do hope in the end,, you are right....
Janey, the closest kind possible, perhaps.
Paisley, if you're willing to be one of them, you're more than half way there. I think you are.
I feel like I've had this exact conversation.
That's a blessing, Ursula.
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