A Little Hermit Crab

You've been likened to a hermit crab

the small and timid little creature

who ventures out - feet first

into the big wide world

too scared to expose all what you are

creeping out, and just as suddenly

scuttling back in

for fear

for what might happen

I used to be like you

but now I am a gecko

I am curious

and explore the walls of existence

nearing close to others

out of a need to touch

with them

and be touched back

to be fed water

for my thristy spirit

yet my skin is still so thin

like a sheet of rice paper

that can be torn

with ease

i know this, and yet

I want to stay as a gecko

I also get so very scared,

just like you

I know this too,

but I like my paper-thin skin

and how intensely and richly

I can experience, feel, absorb

all of life

I invite you to come out

and experience the world with me -

little bit by little bit

you sometimes peak out

and I can see what you REALLY look like

(and not see what you let everyone else see -

a shell, with a voice echoing mysteriously from it)

... but rather I get to see YOU

You,

in all your timidness, and sensitivity

in all your gentle ways

and curiosity

with all your child-like intrigue

Why? I wonder

do you not want to be this all the time?

Its so much more fun

and you get to feel the warmth of the sun,

called Love and Life

on your spiritual skin...

come out and venture with me ...

like the child you used to be............. please.