~ In Memory of Alison Virgin. We miss you. For you the storm is over and the dance will never end. ~ So there I stood, on the banks, dripping wet and listening, listening, with the wind wailing around my head, splitting rocks, tossing splintered trees into the brown foaming river. As the wind began to die, the earth beneath my feet split, a blind and hungry mouth. In the darkness below I could see the host of those lost in their mourning, each of us utterly alone. And, still heard no voice. Then, fire, blazing our of the east, licking the earth, sending up a boiling black smoke, but consuming nothing. Within me, only a deep silence. Finally, a gentle breeze, a breath in the eye of the storm, and it whispered my name. The sky was torn like the temple veil, top to bottom, and there was a sound like thunder, but the voice I heard in my soul was quiet, almost still..."You are mine, my very own. You are my child, my Beloved; you are my delight. I have known you forever, and will guard you always. There is no power which can wrench you from my hand. I am meat and drink to you, and fine gold. I will purchase all your calamities, your pains, sorrows and despair, and I will turn them into dancing. You are mine, yes, and I am yours. After all this time, we are one." ... Let the dance begin!