The Safe Place: The Secret Cove

Introduction:  Several years ago I had an online friend who was bipolar and had suffered an absolutely horrendous childhood.  She also suffered from panic attacks, brought on by stress and the horrid memories of her childhood.  I would help her calm down by talking to her on the phone and describing to her what we called The Safe Place.  By then end of our discussion she would often be asleep, and I myself would be so relaxed that I could fall asleep easily too. 

I can never recapture those discussions we had, and we have since drifted apart.  The challenge I issued, Sensual Spring (to Poetically Incorrect and Fiction Addition - describe spring with all five senses), immediately reminded me of this friend and those long comforting discussions.   It reminded me of her because it was so important to get her to be in the moment, so my descriptions involved the senses – can you feel the cool grass under your feet?  Can you feel the warm sun on your head?  Listen to the babbling river. And so on  . . .  

I have often thought of writing a book called The Safe Place, for people like her, and dedicated to her.  I hope you enjoy this second attempt in the Safe place.  The first attempt is Springtime in Our Safe Place .

The Safe Place: The Secret Cove

Come on Kathy, let's go to the Safe Place.  Isn't it beautiful here today?  You look so pretty in that red dress.  Take my hands, my sister, and lets run through the wildflowers.  Around we spin like a colorful draedle, you in red and I in purple.  We laugh and sing, so happy.

Come on, let's run through the riverbed, up to the secret cove.  Take my hand and we'll run together.  Now, don't splash me, I can splash back you know!  Did you wear your swimsuit?  Good!  Leave your dress here.  It'll be fine.  Now off we go!

Look over there, a peaceful pair!  A goose and gander.  They are awfully cute, aren't they.  Perhaps if we're quiet, they'll even allow us to pet them?  Well look, what do you know?  The goose seems quite friendly. 

Don't be afraid.  Reach out your hand.  There you go.  Isn't she soft?  Oh, such nice fluffy down!  Well, take a gander at that gander.  Seems he's a bit jealous!  Oh yes that's it!  There you go!  We'll pet you too, Mr. Gander. 

Time to go now - off to the cove.  I can hardly wait to get there! Look up ahead – see the crystal clear water and hear the waterfall?  Run more quickly on the soft riverbed sand.  Once we get to the cove there is no dry land.  Just deep blue water, with a sandy bottom, and rocky sides going up so high!

The waterfall is not big and scary – it is wide and thin, giving gentle gurgles into the pool of water.  With sublime abandon we jump in and swim to the waterfall.  We giggle as the tumbling water tickles our bodies. 

Okay Kathy ready to go to the magical cave?  We smile and grab each other's hand as we swim under the waterfall and then into the cave behind.  Up we pop into a sparkly cavern of blue. It never ceases to amaze us each time we come through.  The crystal stalactites and stalagmites give the cave an icy blue light.

But off in the back, there's an icy blue platform and we know our favorite thing is there.  Excitedly we swim to our destination.  We make it quickly to the treasure chest, then open the top.  Hours go by trying on the various jewels.  We laugh and pretend, knowing we are safe from all harm.

Time to go run back home.  On the way sweet berries we have as a treat.  They gush in our mouth like little bursts of happiness.  Cannot dilly-dally too long.  Time to run back to Momma's safe arms.  She always smells of soft perfume as she sings us to sleep.

Feather light,

feather light

Dance off

into the night!

Close your eyes,

do not frown.

In your dreams,

you'll wear a crown!

My love for you

will never die!

My precious one,

I'll be nearby!

So close your eyes,

you're feather light.

Sweet dreams you'll wake

to morning bright.