huacatay

huacatay, peruvian black mint.

when i was first introduced,
i assumed unfamiliarity.
vulnerability
that often accompanies interacting with the unknown.
inquiry,
exploration.

standing in the rows at the farm.
surrounded by its presence.

tonight, inhaling deeply-

transported to dark nights.
hot air on my skin,
echoes of the ocean greeting the moon,
the places where the land breaths.
the rhythmic pulse is palpable.

in thailand,
walking on a road surrounded by jungle,
ears and air filled with the noise of life within its depth.

precious.
land that is filled with wildness.
revolutionary curiosity.

āina is the world for land in hawaiian.

my daughter and i walked near the beach.
mesmerized by the growth of so many dear plant friends.
we spoke about the word āina.
she looked at me
’mom it sounds like vagina’.

we both paused.
she smiled, understanding what i put into words.
’yes, land, womb, the place that births life’.

we held hands and continued walking.

another trip.
bare skin on the hot black sand beach.
next to my parter.
vulnerability hard won.

years of inquiry
a knowing that to possess a womb is
profound strength
and
deep vulnerability.

the teachings of puma,
who walks through the night understanding how to move safely and gently through the darkness.

jungle.
āina.
seen and unseen.

may you know the power of vulnerability.
all ways,
always.