mise

6/21 End of June, solstice of summer. To the depths of my core, I feel pure gratitude that this is my life now. Even though the hurt distracts sometimes from seeing what is here, it does not take away. Chasing sunsets melding into frothy deep ocean. Twilight floats under

Plumbago auriculata (“Cape Leadwort”). Means “with ears,” referring to the leaves. Bisexual flowers. Sepals can be sticky enough to trap flies. Verbenaceae (“Lantana“). Mostly poisonous. Good for attracting honeybees and butterflies. Allamanda cathartica (“Golden Trumpet”). Cathartica, since it can be used to induce purging/vomiting. Flower of Puerto Rico.

Little mini special beach, drawing me in from the very start. Leaning my knees into the volcanic wall, not understanding the pull, but usually able to feel small pieces of peace here. Even before, when it was strewn with the aftermath. Today, stumbling down the spilled stoned ledge, already wet

alaska's on fire. new mexico. california. arizona. colorado. "who can leave, who can travel?" we all raise our arms high, we all feel sick with island fever. but later, this question lingers around my eyes and haunts my evening. a small part of me wants to

Back by the beach, on the sea wall. “That one was a real bitch, wasn’t it?”

Hanakao’o during lunch. Already scarfed snacks. Seeking the still, to rest my heavy head against a palm, to breathe air not pulsing with particulates. Haven’t been since our herpes call. This whole island is haunted with how it was, but sometimes I forget until I return. There is