Untethered

When I try to name the way I’ve been feeling for the past few years,

lost is inevitably what floats to the surface.

But it just doesn’t sit right with me.

I know where I am,

where I’ve been,

and who I am.

It’s just the future that is unknown.

We’re told life is like a path we follow,

that we may come to forks in the road

where we have to choose only one way forward

and that bumps along the way represent

life’s hardships and struggles.

But my life doesn’t look like yours

and I don’t feel like I’m on a path.

I’m out here bushwhacking and

making this shit up as I go.

I say fuck your path,

Imma go climb that tree,

and jump in that river.

And that’s why I identify as untethered rather than lost.

I have cut the roots wrapped around my ankles

keeping me grounded.

Hovering just above the surface,

I may not always be making forward progress

but there is elevation.

There will be fear in the darkness,

but clarity above the treetops.

I am not lost.

I am untethered

and I will continue to rise.