... is divination, guidance.

Though I innocently crack the book for a Tao of the Day, the quote I get reaches out and smacks me once I've got it posted. It's doing its job :)

Once upon a time, I had a really close friend.
One day, a long time ago, we weren't friends anymore.
He hurt me, and then he hurt me, and then he hurt me.
He skipped the sticks and stones, and used small, cruel words.
He reaches sometimes from years long past into now and I still hurt.
So I've long been building a wall, stone by stone.
Often with reluctance, because I remember that closeness we once had.
And in frustration I sputter "Hope is as Hollow as Fear!" and add another stone in denial of hope and honor of fear.
And today I wonder
This wall I built
This wall of defensive words
And bitter memories
That help guard me against his re-entry into my life
Does it shadow my neighbor's gardens?
Have I been building the wall to protect me
Or have I been stepping out of my yard and adding stones elsewhere
To protect the whole world?
I hope not. I don't think so. I hope not. I don't know.