Ramshackled, Abandoned, But Never Forgotten

Taylor Mountain Regional Park, Sonoma County

In the naivety of youth, we long for unruffled days. Smooth paths toward adulthood. And the innate wisdom to float Ghandi-like through life. I never believed them when they told me that troubles would come.

I’ve been shattered, torn, crumbled. Stretched, tripped, broken. Stomped.

But look at me now. My scars are my beauty. Every once-open wound holds within me the light of wisdom and strength. Every gnarled edge connects me more dearly to a humanity that both suffers and delights in any given day.

Which means, I see you. You are a survivor. With a history. A story of decay and restoration that can never be erased. You are beautiful.