Becoming

Walking alone, along the solitary shore 

Experiencing the vastness of the universe

–that which I am a part of

The waves gently stroke the shore

Ah, to let myself go 

To give up resistance 

To life’s changing tides and propelling currents

To be one with that, which I try to control 

To give up myself

To become mySelf

© 1977 

Reflecting on the Grist… the inspiration and the process

This poem was inspired by my walks along the Lanikai shoreline.  At the time I thought the words particularly relevant as I was nineteen and had just returned home after ten months living in Malibu and traveling by train across the continent for a month visiting friends.  I was in the process of becoming… But over the years I’ve rediscovered this poem again and again and again, and I am gently reminded that I am still in the process of becoming “mySelf.” 

The poem came through me easily, and it’s only been lightly edited over the years.  It’s one of those pieces that I feel I merely channeled for the Muses.

My friend Jojy shared it on FaceBook recently, and one of her friends asked to share it on her page.  So, it may resonate for others, too, and perhaps it’s even more relevant now as we face and work through so much disruption in our lives, which invites us to re-examine who we are.

Jojy’s sharing of this poem and her encouragement to share my writing with the broader community inspired me to create this website. I am grateful for the shove off the cliff… I am flying…