distance (part nineteen)

Today I learned that as much as an elephant weighs, it still weighs less than a blue whale's tongue.
I learned that there is a lake on some golf course, somewhere, where bull sharks are living and breeding.
I learned how not to hit a note on the higher end of my vocal range, how to refund a bride for returned registry gifts, and a better way to keep cool on these summer nights.

Today I reminded myself that my journey is my own, not anyone else's, because I am me, and I'm the one walking the dusty path. So however grander my former classmates' futures seem, I should always remember that those are their futures, not mine.
I have a goal. I have a couple of dreams. I still need better walking shoes for the road ahead, but my feet are still moving.

Today I remembered where I was one year ago, and who I was with, and who had given me a kiss the night before this day one year ago
      because I was a different person. I'm a different person day-to-day.
      Not in any dramatic sense; that could be construed as psycho-, or even sociopathic. No, I'm still me.
      But there are still things that I'm learning.

Today I reminded myself that I am made of stardust, that I have almost-perfect pitch--not relative, almost-perfect, but not perfect--and that I can love and hate my body at the same time without doing my psyche any harm.

Today, one year ago, I graduated college.
Today, now, I want you. But I will not die of heartbreak if I don't get you.

-Dana Winter