Tag Archives: birth

What’s In Store For 24 

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Earlier this month marked my 24th birthday. This past year has been one wild ride, full of ups and downs—characterized by birthday rainstorms, summertime power outages, and publishing my first book. One year later, and I couldn’t be more grateful for a less eventful, low key birthday simply surrounded by all the people I love. 

Typically every year for my birthday I write a blog, whether it be a reflective piece or a poem. I’ve accomplished so many of my creative goals already, from writing profiles on other individuals to publishing a collection of my own poetry, so this year I’ve pondered heavily about the question, what’s next for me?

I think many us can relate to the feeling of wanting to have all the answers in life. If this past year has taught me anything, it’s that this is merely impossible. We may never know why certain things happen, we may not know what comes next, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty. While the unknown can be scary, we have to accept that each waking day is a new opportunity for growth and learning, and allow ourselves this freedom. 

So when I ask myself, what’s in store for 24 year old me? The answer is simply: I don’t know quite yet—and that’s okay. What I do know, is that I will continue to soak up inspiration like a sponge. I will continue to seek creative opportunities, and create art when I feel inspired. I will continue to learn from other artists, and from the world around me. I will continue to grow my craft a little at a time, to stay in love with the art of written expression. I don’t know what’s next for me in my creative journey, I don’t know where I go from here, but I know that the only way to go is up, and in this feeling I am at peace. 

Mariposa  

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©CHAINFOTO24/Shutterstock.com

Mariposa, drifting through the wind, 
couldn’t wait to grow wings so that your life could begin. 

Found it hard to come out of your shell, 
but that’s a secret you’d never tell.

Mariposa, with the colors of fiery embers, 
went searching for warmth this September. 

All grown-up, with so much to live up to, 
suffered silently, while nobody else knew. 

Mariposa, why do you cry?
withstood wounds, yet still you could fly. 

Though you held on for as long as you could, 
you endured more than anyone should. 

Mariposa, breathe deep and close your eyes. 
You gained a new kind of wings, so in the place you left is where your memory lies.

Once just an adolescent, 
now your spirit shines iridescent.

Mariposa, your metamorphosis was remarkable for all to witness, 
it’s a tragic tale, your story had to end in sickness.

~~~
Much like last month’s post, inspiration for this piece came not from a true personal experience, but simply by learning about the life of monarch butterflies. Did you know that final generation monarch butterflies (born in spring, migrate south in fall) typically have a much longer lifespan (months as opposed to weeks) than the first generation (born late summer/early fall, migrate north in spring)? However, any of the migratory monarchs are likely to face threats to their survival along their journey. Therefore, some of the final-generation monarchs may not live as long as they are expected to, hence the idea behind this piece. I used the Spanish translation of butterfly, “mariposa”, as a nod to Spanish Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th). If you’ve made it to the end of this, thanks for reading!