1

This poem was originally written in Spanish. Below, you’ll see the original version, an English translation, and a glimpse of what it means to me.

Llévame al sitio donde resides.

Tranquilo, que nos hemos preparado.

Sumerjámonos en tu océano.

Respiremos en las profundidades.

Miedo no tengo. Veo lo que eres.

Como tú no hay ningún fenómeno

y entiendo por qué te sientes solo. 

Me visitas en sueños recurrentes.

Lo siento. Tuviste que ser fuerte.

Lamento ver este mundo en ruinas.

Ojalá pudiera asegurarte

que luego te llevarán tus aletas

a los mundos donde puedas amarte

y donde brilles entre las estrellas.

Take me to the place where you reside.

Be calm; we’ve prepared. 

Let's dive into your ocean.

Let's breathe in the depths.

I am not afraid. I see what you are.

There is no phenomenon like you;

I understand why you feel alone.

You visit me in recurring dreams.

I'm sorry. You had to be strong.

I lament seeing this world in ruins.

I wish I could assure you

that later, your fins will take you

to the worlds where you can love yourself

and where you shine among the stars. 

Between the Lines

In crafting "1," I reflected on a deeply personal journey, reaching back to connect with you, my younger self. This poem is a letter from across the years, touching upon our shared experiences of trauma, the nurturing of self-compassion, and the flickering flame of hope that guides us forward in a world that hasn't always accepted us.

From the first line, "Take me to the place where you reside," I extend my hand across the distance of time, seeking to bridge the gap between us. This is not only a plea for physical closeness; it's a yearning for a deeper connection, a desire to understand and share in the struggles and triumphs that have shaped you. When I say, “We’ve prepared," I acknowledge our joint journey of growth and acceptance, recognizing the bravery it takes to face our truths together.

I invite you to dive into your ocean and breathe in the depths. The ocean represents the vast expanse of our inner world, a place teeming with unspoken thoughts, hidden fears, and suppressed dreams. To breathe in these depths is to accept every part of ourselves, confront our inner turmoil with an open heart, and find peace within the storm.

"I am not afraid. I see what you are" marks a moment of profound understanding and acceptance. From me to you, it’s a declaration of solidarity acknowledging the loneliness and isolation that comes with feeling different. I promise to stand with you, ready to face the world with courage and grace, embracing our unique journey.

The poem acknowledges the resilience you've had to muster, my younger self. "I'm sorry. You had to be strong," reflects my recognition of the silent battles you've fought and the strength you've found in moments of despair. It's a lament for the sometimes cruel world we navigate, wishing for a kinder, more accepting place for us and those like us.

Yet, amidst the shadows of our struggles, I hope my letter gives you hope. The lines promising that "your fins will take you to the worlds where you can love yourself and where you shine among the stars" express my heartfelt belief in our capacity to find a space where we are cherished and celebrated for who we are, a place where we can truly belong.

This poem is my letter across time to you, my younger self, a message of empathy, understanding, and hope. It's an affirmation of our journey, a recognition of our inner strength, and a hopeful glance toward a future filled with love and acceptance, where being me is not just tolerated but celebrated. Through these lines, I hope to offer you the solace and courage we've often needed, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone. I love you.