one.

I forgot exactly how “one” we all are
pretend, for a moment, we’re drifting
in this vast sea
some call it a navy soup
others, a solar field
and think about how our vessel is but one.

think about how our movements to the left
are but one sway.
our tilting to the right
is just one flinch.

I forgot exactly what “one” would mean
when I became the embodiment
of individualism
in this ever-continuing conversation
with other parts of this one.

I forgot exactly what atom I make up
in the frame of the individual
we call humanity.
it functions as smoothly as it possibly can
the way that a cancer patient doesn’t give up
merely because a few cells have gone bad
and the growth spreads further and deeper
with every attempt at rescue.

I forgot exactly what “one” meant
when I woke up and thought this experience
was all mine to enjoy.
this thrill of travel,
of searching for the best ways to enjoy life,
of eating food as if any of it was
meant solely for me.

When I love, one loves,
when I live, one lives,
when I rejoice, one rejoices.

There’s something magical in being a part
rather than apart
of something.

we are all one.
and the irony is
the cliche no longer bothers me.
how could it—
we are all one.