It’s possible my long and lonely existence is due to an absence of love. Life itself has energy, its almost effervescent even chaotic. What happens to a soul that is disconnected from love? An island?

We’ve been told “No man is an island.” But, my well-being requires more than metaphors to survive. What if some people are islands and we’ve been lied to all our lives?

Aren’t islands typically desirable places to go? We go on vacations to paradisaical places. And dream of escaping to places like the Florida Keys. At least I do. What is undesirable about being surrounded by the sea, warm sand, and the hot sun?

So, a lie is like a vacuum, then. False statements steal from us something that is valuable, like our souls and our purposes.

I can be an island if I want. I can be hospitable and invite people over. Then, when I am feeling tired or unnerved, I can retreat into my private paradise.

I believe “No man is an island” – like everything we see and hear – can appear one way. But, then have deeper and more subtle meanings naive and foolish people miss. Sort of like the phrase, “Share the wealth” means: if you have something we want, we are going to take it from you.

Well, I tried that. People took everything I had. And, nothing left, I became a “non-essential” being. And, had to flee the state for refuge. See how very dangerous lies are?

So, untruths leave us empty like a black hole. But truth bestows, it dawns like the morning: it isn’t chaotic or parasitic in nature. It guides gently, but doesn’t force.

Understand that being an island isn’t a committed, life goal I am suggesting to anyone. Sometimes, in our places of refuge we miss good fortune and benefits of people who do love us.

Lies leave holes in our soul. Emptiness. Love is what gently and sweetly opens our eyes to realize things are not always what they appear.