Purgatory

[Guest DianeATL]

This is not really poetry but it references classical literature - Mods feel free to move it if you like.

From the Inferno (Hell) Dante ascends to an island that is neither Hell or Heaven, Purgatory. The place is neither as dark and gloomy as the Inferno but presents a 7 levels of challenges to make it out into heaven.

I think Dante was transgendered. ;-)

As I ascend from the hell of denial, suppression, guilt, shame, and creating a daily performance life for others to enjoy I entered Purgatory, where I currently reside. From the inferno I could not see paradise, I doubted its existence at times. Now I can see it but the challenges to get there are daunting to say the least. Lucifer keeps grabbing at my ankle trying to pull me back into the Inferno while my friends extend their hands to help pull me through the challenges ahead into paradise.

As Purgatory is neither heaven or hell, I am neither fish nor fowl. A more feminine spirit and masculine vessel could not be combined. Instead of the interlocking beauty of ying and yang, they oppose like two positively charged magnets. Can the spiritual world win against the physical world?

Eternal frustration is often defined as being doomed to spend eternity in Purgatory. It is not a destination but a way station on the path to heaven or hell.

Thank for the friends who extend their hands daily to help me negotiate the challenges, I can't wait to get out of this place.

[Charlize]

I like the way you expressed that limbo between genders. I found that by taking little steps the devil didn't see the changes. Then with some hands reaching out i jumped from ledge to ledge and found some freedom. Now there still is a mixture of male and female in me but living and feeling more of the woman makes the mind and mixture much more to my liking. Our hands are out to you when you need us.

Hugs,

Charlie

[Guest LilyRose]

Hey Diana,

I love this classic and am glad to see you talk about it. I find that to be very fascinating because he was guided by Virgil, the Roman poet. And in Roman society, sexuality was often explored and open. Homosexuality was practiced without any fear or discrimination. No problem at all, and while there is the "lust" level of hell, it's only for those who have insatiable sexual appetites.

As for transgendered people like us, The Divine Comedy has absolutely no reference to transgendered people's role in any of the lower circles which is neat in itself. It knowingly or unknowingly promotes that there is no reason for us to be ashamed to accept both sides of the gender spectrum. It is not a sinful experience for us to want our bodies to match our brains. Isn't that grand?

Hugs and best wishes,

Lily

[Guest miss kindheart]

Diane

for sharing

vanna

[Guest Jennifer T]

As a fan of the Divine Comedy, I enjoyed your allegory. As one who resides there as well, I feel your words.

Well done. May we all eventually ascend.

Peace.