Another, is alone. She, alone, developed this cave deep in the side of a granite mountain. She, alone, chose to abide here, survive and even thrive here. She is responsible, wholly and completely. She keeps her cave tidy, alone. Cozy, alone. She is vigilant, she guards her cave well, alone.

The cave is in her mind, in her heart, all around and within.

She is alone.

The cave no longer fully suits her. The walls can hold no more paint. Dazed with the vibrant images of memories and dreams she has painted on her cave walls, she stumbles out into the wide open sky. Alone.

And she, I, find others who are alone and not alone. From fortresses they come, caves, holes in the ground, treehouses, nests and lairs. We are not alone.

We each bring a gift to this space of not-alone, of together.

Our precious selves.