I turned a year older

every year, i turn a year older

while one can only hope to be a year wiser

it is with no guarantee that i become “smarter”

what does it mean to be smarter?

the past year had a lot to offer

that there is an abundant of knowledge i have yet to master

knowledge that i need to have the courage to foster

courage that is so seemingly achievable yet unattainable

courage that makes us question the unthinkable

a cycle where playing mind games is recyclable

what started as a year that brought devastation

soon blossomed without hesitation

experiencing exchange was wealth

wealth so wealthy i felt love like no other

love from parents who wholeheartedly supported (and funded) their daughter

love from friends i made from uncharted water

love from a partner who made distance feel softer

love to myself as i became bolder

grocery shopping, solo traveling, sewing, you name it

if anything i can finally say i did it

21 year old sonia could only ever dream of this trajectory

a trajectory that 22 year old sonia made a reality

then came the next ship

the start of my long awaited internship

uncertain but certain

i readily entrusted what was given

exposed to the wonders of the precedent

an editorial manifestation that inevitably came with the greatest anticipation

but inspiration overwrote irresolution

i wrote to my heart’s content

probing discourse that contests

then came the long awaited chapter, reopened

i danced like my life depended on it

so dependent i felt awakened

a light in me shining so bright

brighter than luminosity

taking on every opportunity

i did it for me

because i know i am worthy

worthiness that occasionally fades

but will never cease my parade

22 years have come and gone

so much i have been shown

and even more that i now, own

onto 23

she’s ready to be

happiest birthday to me