11:11

The moon hears my whispers

Every night

My notes float up 

Through the clouds

But they seem to miss

You're still not mine

Dormi

I want

to close my 

eyes and 

taste you 

in 

my dreams.

Six reasons to go to South Africa

1) The music: I went during the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown and it was phenomenal (See "From the Big Apple to the Prickly Pear" post). In addition to the dances, plays, and shows I watched, South Africa reveals a rich tradition filled with all kinds of music. Jazz, soul, chants, raps, everything was just magnified by the rawness and beauty in melody.

2) The history: Being that I've been learning American history since kindergarten, it's refreshing to hear another side of history. I went to your called "Exhibit A" which was a slave museum and I was shaken. Never had I been exposed to the gruesome  and scenes that took place so long ago. Nothing was sugar coated. It was completely bare. 

3) The culture: Being able to submerge myself into the different languages, tastes, and scents, it was almost overwhelming. It's almost surreal because being a tourist  makes you feel distant but you connect so deeply with your surroundings that you can't help but feel tied to it by spirit. It moves through you as your mind takes in everything it has to offer.

4) The people: I met some amazing people in South Africa who helped open my mind to their culture a little better. They spoke Khosa and Afrikaan. I was delightfully confused but completely receptive. It helps to go in with an open mind and to leave bleak assumptions at the door.

5) Riding Elephants: Need I say more?

6) You'll enjoy it: Before my trip, my whole family warned me to be careful and not get kidnapped. While it's great to be cautious, don't let it hinder your ability to have fun! I met some amazing people, ate some great food and had great once in a lifetime experiences. It came at a point and time of my life when I was discovering myself and grappling with my identity. Even if you feel like you've got yourself all figured out, you'll be pleasantly surprised as to what South Africa brings out in you. 

Forgive a Forgetful Me

I may forget that we first met on a Tuesday

But I'll remember the song my heart sang when

It felt

You

I may forget the color of your favorite shirt

But I'll remember the scent of your skin

As it clung to the neatly stitched fabric

I may forget your sister's name

But I'll remember the soft shift of your tone

Whenever you spoke to her

Or spoke to me

I'll never forget the way your fingerprints 

Molded into mine

And how I sometimes

Lose myself 

In you

How your voice imprints my skull

And every thought is a rich melody

Only I can hear

Only I can enjoy

So forgive me when I forget sometimes

I'm too busy remembering the

Crinkles of your smile

Patter of your feet

Curves of your face

Confines of your mind

Rhythm of your breath

Chiming of your heart

The depths of your soul

Forgive me