I knew how to fly when...

feeling inspired to share an exercise I created last week in my writing class: 

I knew how to fly when

I was seven although my feet never left the ground

I knew how to fly when 

I blew on a dandelion, knowing dreams come true

I knew how to fly when

I dove into your eyes, certain all would be well

I knew how to fly when

I left home with only a bicycle and two bulky suitcases

I knew how to fly when

I turned my back on your endless cage

I knew how to fly when 

I boarded the plane leaving behind everything I’d ever known, with only red heart underwear, a box of Teuscher’s champagne truffles and your hand to hold me

I knew how to fly when

I bought the around the world ticket without knowing Nairobi is in Kenya

I knew how to fly when

we would arrive in the next country with only a guide book and two tiny stuffed bears with loud Hawaiian shirts 

I knew how to fly when

I dove past the garden of blossoming tentacles of soft coral feeding on the plankton in the swift current

I knew how to fly when

I insisted on finishing my Pina Colada on Koh Tao while a drunken customer fired off his pistol

I knew how to fly when

I sucked my tank dry, alone with the mammoth mantra rays emerging from the gloomy waters like mythical creatures of forgotten times

I knew how to fly when 

only the blink of the answer machine gave me enough courage to fly a thousand miles to meet you for the first time, knowing you would be with me for the rest of my life

I knew how to fly when

I followed my dolphin friends a hundred miles from land, lost to the ship, into tumultuous waves of hurricane tossed waters, guided only by my absolute joy and my sense of belonging

I knew how to fly when

I let you go after 23 1/2 years together, knowing the pieces of our puzzle no longer fit

I knew how to fly when

I put my faith in myself and not in my bank account

I knew how to fly when

I realized my relative calling my an irresponsible numbskull was only a reflection of my own self hatred

I knew how to fly when

I stopped judging my way of being and saw myself as a Divine masterpiece

I knew how to fly when

I was certain all I had devoted my life to was real and that we are the beloved

I knew how to fly when

my eyes cleared of their blindness and I saw my own infinite value

I knew how to fly when

today I cried hot tears of joy in yoga class, kissing my arms and breast, welcoming myself home to my own embrace