Amen Dicant Omnia

(Let All Things Say Amen)

I seek entrance into the sacred space inside. Maybe it is my heart that I seek? The key is here somewhere, I bet it is in one of my pockets, but the lock, now where did I put the lock?

Within these fences made up of ribs, there are birds with golden halos and dogs speaking in Latin that might confuse the unwary. There are many wonderful and strange things in this land. And, everything there is sacred and holy.

Sometimes, the creatures escape the cage and I paint them. They are all very secretive and are capable of tip-toeing without making even the slightest sound. I see them late at night and in the dark and sometimes while I am dreaming. They are very powerful totems; they are allies of immense persuasion. I have been hypnotized by them, and, I must warn you that there is no protection from theier many powers. They cast spells that look like sparks and like lightning and in the aftermath of these storms, serenity, peace, and stillness can be felt.

When I am able to touch them, I receive the gifts of holy fire. But, I find that when I pick up my brush to paint them, they become illusive and subtle and are quick to divert my attention from the task at hand. My anguish in this life is that no one else will ever really see them the way I do. They are creatures of spirit: they are darting shadows that you spot out of the corner of an eye. They whisper the solutions to all of life's most profound mysteries. Oh, I have tried so many times to tell their stories and I will continue to try, but, how do you paint the magic of God? How do you tell the stories of the heart...without breaking it?

These are my wishes.

Kelley Vandiver