Heritage Around My Neck

The gold links glint in any light that I am turned

towards. Small and delicate, they somehow manage to keep hold of each

other as gravity inevitably weighs them down.

This is my third attempt at changing my identity and keeping a

symbol of that change. The day I found out not only who I was

but who I wanted to be. One of the many journal entries I’d written years ago

detailed the meaning behind the color blue. How it represents water,

the ability to move and adapt no matter what is in its way.

That was also my goal, although my entries have been added to since then.

The silver metal that twisted into a never-ending circle, or knot if you will, that

represented me as I was during those years, when I thought everything I did

was wrong. Looking down at the symbol of a heritage that kept fighting,

reminded me that I wasn’t fighting the inner doubt alone. I never realized the strength

a symbol could have, could hold, could be, for someone.

But I wore that first symbol with pride, looking down, touching it,

until the black fabric that held it up inevitably wore out

and fell off my neck.

That first necklace reminded me of what I wanted to be,

this third one represents what no one can change about me.

The blue is iridescent this time, layers of blue mixed with a hint of green

and gold depending on your angle.

It ends jagged, like a piece of rock or gem that’s been broken off

something bigger, yet it makes a statement

all its own.

It lets you think you can almost see straight through

to the other side, but that’s just a trick of the reflection.

It’s small but strong,

delicate yet commanding.

Once you look at it, really look at it,

you can’t help but remember it.

It’s no longer a symbol of change, it doesn’t need to be.

It doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is,

knowing that what it is

Is enough. It’s always around my neck, lying on my chest,

a symbol of me.