swim – ilekso

.enveloped.

August 29, 2020August 29, 2020love, poetryLeave a Comment

caught up in his waves
an ocean, keeping me sane
he makes me want to save myself from drowning
he makes me want to swim
and when i choose to sink
it will be into every part of him

in july of 1877, a man named L.L. Zamenhof created a language called Esperanto, which translates to “one who hopes”. he wished to bring those from different countries together and create peace among them. during the first world war, a territory composed of many Esperanto speakers was referred to as “an oasis in a desert of destruction.”

in the peaceful language of Esperanto, ilekso means holly. i stumbled upon Esperanto a few years ago while translating my name into different languages, as one may do when desperately trying to create a new username for social media. the history and the meaning behind the language fit seamlessly with my beliefs, my goals, and my practices. and so my new identity was born.

i have come to realize that my purpose in this world is to care for others and to create my own sort of oasis, a space that is safe for everyone to express themselves freely and feel significant in their own lives. i am consumed each day by the joy, love, and beauty in the world and i am determined to spend my life spreading it around to anyone who needs it.

i am ilekso.