Our 20th Anniversary: “My Body Is A Cage”

Several years ago, I bought a special bottle of wine and set it aside for today, our 20th anniversary. I can’t bear to open it and drink it alone. Let it turn to dust.

Each day I have spent virtually every hour in a small darkened room, willing my spirit loose from the container of flesh and blood and bone that traps it so that it can slip through the veil that separates us. I feel him just on the other side of the curtain, that thin shadowy door, driven into madness not being able to break the lock and swing it open.

Over and over I close my eyes, clench my jaw, and pray until I shake with exhaustion.

This is my prayer…

“My Body Is A Cage” — Peter Gabriel (cover of Arcade Fire)
 
My body is a cage
That keeps me from dancing with the one I love
My mind holds the key

My body is a cage
That keeps me from dancing with the one I love
But my mind holds the key

I’m standing on a stage
Of fear and self-doubt
It’s a hollow play
But they’ll clap anyway

My body is a cage
That keeps me from dancing with the one I love
But my mind holds the key
My mind holds the key

My mind holds the key

I’m living in an age
That calls darkness light
Though my language is dead
Still the shapes fill my head

I’m living in an age
Whose name I don’t know
Though the fear keeps me moving
Still my heart beats so slow

My body is a…
Is a…
Is a…
Is a…
My body is a cage
My body is a cage

My mind holds the key

My body is a cage
We take what we are given
Just because you’ve forgotten
Doesn’t mean you’re forgiven

I’m living in an age
That screams my name at night
But when I get to the doorway
There’s no one in sight

I’m living in an age
Realize I am dancing
With the one I love
But my mind holds the key
You’re standing next to me
My mind holds the key

Set my spirit free
Set my spirit free

Set my body free
Set my body free
Set my body free