Taller trees ahead

I know that place that she sings of...that playground world, among the Maples, Beeches, and Pines, with endless supplies of bark cookies and tea leaves and green beds--I was all smiles and minimal freckles. And as innocent as I was, in retrospect, I feel like I was never unaware.

I feel like somehow I always knew the world was not a dream nor was it, in the slightest bit, dreamy.

I'm in that place she sings of...those woods behind the park, walking and "sub7an Allah"-ing as I climb the trees with my eyes and wonder what the world is like and what it looks like from atop the canopy, centuries closer to the stars--I am inspired and solemn with many freckles. As experienced as I am, I feel like I am unaware.

I feel like somehow, despite the reality that has shaped my existence, I'm still capable of hoping and dreaming--and I do often.

I've not yet arrived to the tertiary place she sings of...the wise, full one, soared to from the highest wing, the place my beloved grandfather and his son have flown to, and share with me only in my dreams--I am heart-broken and weathered with freckles cresting and relaxing under the rolling magnification of salty tears. But I continue on ... and as I walk in the woods, and marvel at the colors of the fallen Fall leaves, I am aware of how much there is ahead, and of how unaware I am.

I feel like somehow the awareness and unawareness that trek alongside me allow me to balance the real with the dreamy--so I can know and I can still wonder--and I am keenly aware of what a blessing that is. And I'm all smiles.

***

Inspired by "Dream" by Priscilla Ahn and the stages of life.