Departures and Returns

Sometimes,

I think

that my choices

are exclusively my own. 

I think,

that I can live

my life

based solely,

on my heart’s desires,

without any consideration,

of context,

or community,

or relationships,

or history,

or commitments,

or partnerships,

or promises. 

So, I follow these paths,

accept invitations,

dare to go into unchartered

territory,

while the life THAT I DO HAVE,

waits for me. 

And it waits,

expectantly,

confidently,

hopefully,

with certainty,

for me to see,

that all I need,

is what I have,

right here, right now. 
What I wake up to everyday,

is more,

than my casual mind

can appreciate.

My own environment,

my ancestors, my family, my friends,

my communities, the universe, la raza

protect me,

by closing doors,

rejecting my applications,

or I am given ears to listen,

and advice to rethink,

and glimpses

of the fortune

that I am swimming in,

but take for granted.

In retrospect, I see,

that many things,

are from and for

another time,

(son de, y para, otros tiempos)

not this time,

and I make my peace,

at each disappointing,

sometimes heartbreaking,

development.

That so many possibilities,

surround me,

and so many opportunities

dance with me,

and so many experiences

seduce me,

is a beautiful thing.

I don’t regret the sea

of possibility in front of me.

I am thankful,

for the bounty.

I am thankful,

for the world showing me,

the benefits,

of all of my hard work,

and sincere, earnest living,

welcoming me,

into glimpses of what could be.

And then always, always, always,

returning me,

to the web,

that is called,

my life and this time.