I’ve unknown every version of myself prior
Like slipping out of old clothes,
Sewing new ones
With vibrant colors I never knew existed.
And better form-fitting
than I knew possible
Like moving away from one-size-fits-all
and seeing myself as me
for the first time.
In this past year
I’ve aged
And simultaneously
become youthful.
I get to be whoever
I want to be.
The only expectations
are the ones I put on myself.
Since everything is novel,
I get to begin again
at anything I pursue.
What does humble mean for me?
Regardless, I’ve relished in it
With each bruised shin,
Mispronounced street name,
Wet wipe out,
Meditative mind wander,
improper chord strum,
And missed spike.
I’ve found friends
That I’d call if I ever went back to jail.
We’ve dove into the deep end.
Past the surface level connection
of the waterfall mushroom kitty pool.
The community
I wouldn’t feel this sense of belonging
without the people that I have met.
They’ve brought me in.
As neighborly as I’ve ever felt
Gifting me mint and carpools
And made me feel like I am welcome.
This cultivated community ‘ohana
lets me swim with
Trust and encouragement and joy.
I have permission to prance
Barefoot across the field
Sing aloud on my moped
Attempt supported shoulder stands
To be alone instead of lonely.
This island’s vast beauty
Whose sunset skies leave me speechless
Tongue-tied even
With waves of wonder
Traveling from far and wide
validating my love of the ocean
Also with its tears
from the many fears
Where the surf can be scary.
This place simultaneously a safe space
Like a cocoon
where I am surrounded by love
Where I get back up.
Aloha
And much mahalo nui
To reinvent, redefine and reroute
Gratitude for my growth.
Finding friendship.
Reinvention.
Listening to my intuition.
Cultivating courage.
Doing nothing
yet always something.
I finally feel like
Through unknowing myself
I’ve surfaced more of who
I know I am.
That magical shift
I am grateful for.
