Trying to turn back to the past is like trying to bring the dead back to life. For a moment, it may even seem possible to revive old memories. You look — the same face, the same gestures, and you might even feel something familiar.

But no — there is no soul or joy left in it anymore, only the bitter sense of illusion, a curtain hiding emptiness and cold. You can keep warmth and tenderness within you for what has passed, you can grieve what is lost to you forever. But trying to breathe life into that dead past, trying to give it a place in your life here and now — is like dying along with it.

Give the dead to the dead. Let go and free yourself. Let new life rise from the ashes, and let new flowers bloom.

Spring…

© Elena Shuwany