vulnerability- a perfection of the soul. -D

 I wrote this quote many years back as part of a postcard series. It still speaks to my heart. 
I believe it to be true. 
When I look at this nude sketch, she embodies that for me.
I bought this piece of art years ago at a "First Friday" Art Exhibit.  The gallery was nice,
but all the other work was different-safe- paintings of landscapes and farms. 
This large nude sketch in comparison was so raw.  I stood in front of it and I couldn't leave her. 
When the artist came over, I literally reached out for her hand, held it,
standing in front of her sketch in silence together.
The woman in this sketch is somehow so strong and so vulnerable to me all at the same time. 
I love her long bony hands. The arthritis I imagine in her body I can almost feel. 
Her body so long and lean,
but somehow it feels tired- and yet, she is still so beautiful, comfortable-humbly looking down. 
So simple, all the black lines telling what seems like a layered story. 
No matter where I move, this piece comes with me.  If I had to choose just one thing,
I would always choose her.
When I came back to my cottage after the hurricane, she was still on my wall. 
She is with me today, continuing to remind me of strength and...yet, vulnerability. 
A perfection of the soul.
​-D