Required Pause

"I like libraries.  It makes me feel comfortable and secure

to have walls of words, beautiful and wise, all around me.

I always feel better when I can see that there is something

to hold back the shadows."

Roger Zelazny

 NINE PRINCES IN AMBER

As a regular visitor to the branch of the Chicago Library, I became well acquainted with the librarians.  As a very young reader, I was only allowed to check out books in my age range.  When I accomplished reading all of those, I asked for permission to move on to the next section.  The kind librarians did not just turn me loose, but handpicked appropriate literature to carry me farther into the world of words.

My library card was my safety pass allowing me to visit the lives of many authors.  I walked passed this sacred place every day on my way to and from school.  At least once a week I would excitedly return my books in exchange for new ones.  I was recognized, encouraged, and allowed to discuss various authors at my level without judgment or censorship.

Growing up, each of us had a safe place whether it was a grandmother's home, best friend's house or Mother Nature her lovely self.  It was a haven where we could drop our shoulders and breathe without fear of misconduct.  Maybe significant words were never spoken; but, the unconditional greeting of a hug, the unsolicited kindness of one other, or the connection with the earth distanced us from our shadows.  It was our required pause in order to carry on.