When we all start down
upon a new path
no one can know exactly
where it will lead
nor who they will meet
along the way...
when we all begin again
in our attempt to find where
we are meant to be and with whom
no one can know how much
of who they are will remain
nor what about them
will ultimately change.

I have been walking down
a path of poetry for as long
as I can remember...
I have been running
through a forest of imagination
since I was a child...
I have been listening
to the sounds of nature
for as long as I have
been able to hear...
I have been seeing
the infinite possibilities
of life and the universe
since my mind was opened wide
after asking questions
and being given answers
that brought to life my love
of the mysterious of the unknown
that, to this day, still continue
to energize my thoughts
like the waves of light and colour
that can be seen while witnessing
the Northern Lights.

Once I have been somewhere,
I never forget where I have been 
nor what I have seen...
once I have been somewhere,
I never forget how to return there -
because I have always had this innate gift
to be able to create a map
of places within my mind...
once I have been somewhere -
even a place that I may not
visit again for days, weeks, months,
even years afterwards -
I have always been able to
accurately navigate myself
back to where I was
with more clarity of memory
than if I were to attempt
to recall a dream...
once I have been somewhere,
I always create a connection to somewhere
that I can use, whenever I need,
to guide me back, as if I could
literally, and effortlessly, step back in time.

I have always been a dreamer...
I have always been hopeful
that the future will be something
that is always worth living for...
I have always loved my family,
and I have always loved
being inspired by people,
and by extraordinary experiences
that I have shared with significant others...
I have always looked forwards,
and I have always looked backwards -
because the future and the past
are always communicating with
one another,
and it has always been at the intersection
between these two extremes
where I have always found
the words to describe
what I feel with every fibre of my being
at a given moment
of pure poetic power...
I have always wanted to give back
more than I have received -
and throughout my life's journey
I have given a part of myself
to those whom I have met,
whom I have known,
whom I have inspired,
who have inspired me in return,
whether they know it or not -
because, all my life, I have been,
and I always shall be,
someone who is meant to
shine a light for those to follow,
like a lighthouse keeper,
a messenger, a traveller,
a navigator, a pathfinder.