Ramblin Christian Gypsy

May 21 2012

Misti Dawn Akemi Traya

I remember being fifteen and pregnant

and overhearing my least favorite cousin talking about me

before I burst in with a tray of lemonade.

I tend to live my life as the star of a Mexican soap opera,

or the pitiable yet plucky subject of a Tom Waits song.

“Well let’s face it, she’s ruined her life.”

Said Miss Judgey Judgerton with a giggle of glee.

What I learned that day is that

we are not the sum total of our stumbling steps.

Rather,

we are the walking obligation to the perfection of our dreams.

Was back in Honolulu recently.

Lots of bargains and whispered agreements were struck

under a Hawaiian sky and a certain teenage Mother.

Sitting underneath it was like connecting with an old friend

and business partner

when everyone has been keeping their end of the bargain.

Happiness, affection and mutual respect.

Well done all.

I always hear Madonna’s “Cherish” when I think of her.

Recall this one time when I was trying to get her to remember a friendly couple from her early years and

I actually said…

“Remember, when WE were little.”

She will often ask of me,

“Mama, why did you name you Misti?

(It gets worse. It’s actually, “Misti Dawn.”)

“Oh Honey, I was fifteen,

you’re lucky your name’s not Hello Kitty.”

6 notes