Virtue of Necessity

There are songs that you like because you like their sound. And then there are songs that you like because you relate to them. There are these songs that you sing along because you think, "This is exactly where I'm at right now." You don't always feel the same about them, because most of the time on this highway of life you don't stay on the same spot for very long. But when these moments occur, when you hear songs that speak to you and for you right where you are in this journey, you hold your hands close to your heart and sing along. You sing it like your life depends on it, like you have to say the words out loud over and over again or you might lose that voice that speaks for you.

Living in a bubble is addictive. It is safe, it is secure, I know everything and there are no surprises. But the brightest of stars shine on me from outside, not sitting on my shelf waiting. So when I come across one of these and try to grab it, I always find myself suddenly outside my bubble, laid bare and exposed to the world and its chilling winds. In such times a piece of reality sinks into my brain: that I might get hurt. Living in a big bad world, that's always a given. But live in the comfort of a bubble long enough, and you'll begin to forget. And yet I found myself outside, constantly looking over my shoulders, paranoid that hurt will come from my blind side.

Apparently, turtles do cross roads. If a car comes running while they're in the middle, what turtles do is that they'll put their heads in and hide. But no matter what they do, a turtle's shell is no match for two tonnes of steel running halfway through the sound barrier. Don't mistake the illusion of safety for real safety. But the problem is, sometimes, you'll never get anywhere in life unless you cross the road.

So I decided to cross the road, and deliberately keeping on going, because I know if I insist on playing safe all the time I'm not gonna get anywhere. So I sing along with hands on heart and eyes closed, because these words speak to me and for me where I am right now, in my moment of vulnerability, where I can't keep myself safe and that's how it's supposed to be.

My hiding place
My safe refuge
Because you're with me
I shall not fear