It's been covered br by that christmas tablecloth br for years. br You remember... br the one with the large poinsettia pattern br directly in the middle, br with the cranberry stains decorating br sporadic spots along the border. br br I almost forgot it was here. br I always hoped somehow a magic trick br would be performed while I was away br and it would disappear before I returned. br br The years have passed for me br yet as I do the unceremonious unveiling br time seems to spiral backwards until br I'm sitting on the floor br drowning in a flood of memories. br br Yet, br no more tears come. br Time to clean house. br No more tablecloths to cover the pain. br No more boxes to tuck away br the memories that are better off forgotten. br No more excuses for not visiting this place. br No more. br br This space is clean now br and will remain that way. br Clear of the cobwebs and dust br that have been clouding my vision br for too many years. br The heavy velvet curtains give a groan br (or is it a cheer?) br as they're thrown open. br Finally, the sun can shine through br and the warmth can be felt br by a heart that was unsure it deserved br to feel the warmth of the sun. br br br br br br br Thank you Michael, for making me feel worthy of the sun's warmth.