P52 Week 37 -- Secluded

Secluded has many shades of meaning.

It brings to mind a glade in the woods, a place to sit and be with nature, a place to commune with nature beings.

Secluded could mean a spiritual retreat, a place to stay in isolation for a time, in order to reflect and discern.

Monks or nuns are cloistered for a much longer period, as a lifetime choice.  

Perhaps secluded is a safe haven in which to retire in order to escape life’s craziness, like locking oneself in a bedroom or a bathroom.

It’s possible to zone out behind an imaginary privacy screen at work, or at a social gathering.

In olden times, pregnant women remained in social seclusion.

Women in some religious traditions are still sequestered when they are menstruating.

Seclusion can mean secretive, as when hurts and pains are held inside.

Many of our prisoners are locked up, in seclusion, in solitary confinement.

And on a lighter note, seclusion can be thought of in a foxy, sexy sense, as depicted in the Jerry Ross and Richard Adler show tune, “Hernando’s Hideaway” from the musical Pajama Game. Imagine dancing the tango as you hum . . .

I know a dark secluded place.
A place where no one knows your face.
A glass of wine a fast embrace.
It's called Hernando's Hideaway, ole!

All you see are silhouettes.
And all you hear are castanets.
And no one cares how late it gets.
Not at Hernando's Hideaway, ole!

At the Golden Fingerbowl or any place you go.
You'll meet your uncle Max and everyone you know.
But if we go to the spot that I am thinking of
You will be free, to gaze at me, and talk of love.

Just knock three times and whisper low,

That you and I were sent by Joe.
Then strike a match and you will know

You’re in Hernando's Hideaway, ole!

What comes to mind when you think of secluded?