Ah! Sixteen this age, ripe and tender,
I have my guitar and endless songs on my lips.
I aspire Kate, I believe in Bourdain.
Little do I know of this dance on the tightrope.
I await like the cold dark green henna on a bride’s palm
desiring to set into a deep maroon.

Ah! Twenty-five this age, determined and brave,
I have my map and endless plans about my trips.
I aspire Kate, I believe in Bourdain.
I am learning this dance on the tightrope.
I roll my dice like a debt-ridden gambler
wanting to welcome a windfall.

Ah! Thirty-one this age, knowing and humble,
With guitars and maps, songs and plans.
I have learnt the secret to the tightrope is to embrace the fall.
I aspire to be my own Kate. I believe in my own Bourdain.

20 June 2018