Allure
– we all have “enough”
Ingrid Bergman had it in Casablanca; boy did she have it! Allure!
That mesmerizing power to entice or attract through personal charm and
mystery.
Sadly, today’s world is not much into charm or mystery
these days which makes the world a sadder place. These are the days of reality
shows, the “tell all View”, tattletale books and tabloid lies which are held in
high esteem as truths. Ntozake Change, renowned poet, playwright, novelist, and
performance artist stated that "where there is a woman, there is magic.", and I totally agree. However, I also believe that where a woman is there should be mystery!
What intrigues me about so many of my sex is the mystery–
the allure – of how some women seem to pull it all together so
effortlessly. This, to me, is the aspect
of the feminine mystique that compels and invites investigation. How did these women evolve into these higher
beings?
I see them in business meetings – confident, assured, and
in command – or smiling serenely in the hall way at school while waiting
patiently to pick up the afternoon car pool, a baby over one shoulder, a
toddler in tow. These women never look
frazzled, fatigues, or fed up. They look
FABULOUS, darling.. They do not simply juggle, they fly through the air with
the greatest of ease. I look at them and wonder what the hell is their
secret? Are they all on Prozac or Valium? Do they have a lot of money? Are
they well organized, practice positive thinking or just have the favorable
alignment of the astrological skies behind them? No… I believe it is actually
something far more profound; a deep spiritual connection; an inner awareness that let's them love it all.
Does the computer ever break down while these special woman
are facing a massive deadline? Do the
kids whine? Does the car ever need to be
towed? Have they ever taken a dog who
has just tackled a cactus to the vet? I
know you and I have, which is why, occasionally, an isolated island somewhere
out in the Gulf sounds so appealing.
Then, without missing a beat, we wipe a runny nose, change a dirty
diaper, defrost the hamburger, start the spaghetti sauce, sew a button on a
pair of pants, and help a child with his/her homework.
Then… You pause.
Just for a moment. You wonder
what they would do if you weren’t there and realize at that exact moment how
very glad you are. Much to your
astonishment it occurs to you that you must also possess that aspect of allure
because everybody in the house gravitates to you. In the middle of the night they call “Mom”…
This leaves mystery to ponder. The mystery of what will happen next. But, instead of worrying or obsessing the
decision is made to just let go and see what occurs.
In my case, the children are grown and gone now; we are
estranged and I guess my allure and my need are long gone. How I do miss them... So now, I choose to take joy in this my real
life as it unfolds day by day, hour by hour, one breath, on heartbeat at a
time.
Emily Dickinson wrote “To live is so startling, it leaves
little time for anything else”. My face
may never appear on the silver screen (oh god I hope not) and I may never make
the best seller list. But I, and each of my readers, can arrive at an inner
awareness that just living and loving it ALL (the good and the bad, the ugly
and the beautiful) is alluring enough.
It is enough.
