As many of you know, Karen Vanderlaan is a person of many talents and accomplishments. A teacher, musician, equestrian, you name it. But it is the courage, humor, and deep appreciation for the natural world -- especially horses -- that helped her survive the escalating abuse that she describes in excruciating detail in this memoir. To say more could spoil the book for those who are planning to read it. Only add one thing: The first stanza is a direct quote. PJDG
Gate's Open, Come on In
A Song for Karen Vanderlaan
Author of Show and Tell
It took quite a while
for me to throw off the weight
of all that pain
I pasted on a smile.
I stabbed at work and pretended to play.
I was a zombie, what can I say.
Ever look at the sky and wonder why
all you see is a giant cloud?
Ever hide and do nothing but cry?
Even click on a button says "shroud?"
One day a voice inside snapped, Get up and help!
Lend a hand before it's too late.
Think you're the only one's done time in hell?
Brush yourself off and come open the gate.
With a bit of help, I dragged myself out of bed.
shuffled over and let Love in.
In time, those evil twins, Fear and Dread.
stomped off in a huff, good for them.
Now I am happy being Mom and Teach.
Got my peeps, my horses, and a smokin' guitar.
So good being able to reach
children who are sick at heart.
It will take a while
but all of us will throw off the weight
of all that pain.
Each of us is a minute piece
In the mass of humanity,
Each of us damaged.
Our goal should be,
As we stumble and bump
Along life’s journey
To stumble into and bump
Against one another
More gently
