Don't be surprised by my paper boats

I once read a poem by a famous Chinese poet called Bing Xin. She wrote a poem about how she would make every scrap of paper into a boat hoping it would carry her love to her late mother. I am lucky in a way that I still have my mom with me and all I have to do to reach her is by phone.

I was making paper boats today and all I was trying to reach is you. I am also lucky that I can reach you by phone, mi amor, but I can understand now for the first time that sometimes only physical reminders can carry the history of the relationship. The Chinese author wrote that poem in remembrance of her mom who liked making them. You and I have accumulated our own versions of paper boats. It can be as simple as the way I make my bed now because of you.  It can be as elaborate as you and I fixing a house too big for two women to tackle. I can touch an doorknob and know that you have been there.  And if I am lucky, I will make my bed one day and find your scent on my pillow, and I am transported to you.


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Reference on Chinese Poet:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bing_Xin