Knitted Scarf

My heart is a mosaic, each fragile piece differing in geometric sizes and shapes, gifted to me by people that have disrupted and altered my walk through life thus far. 

Gifts and characteristics from those I’ve encountered—lessons and epiphanies, laughter and memories, dreams and goals, sorrow and heartbreak, fulfillment and gratitude, playfulness and sincerity. Time is a construct that doesn’t exist in this realm, every relationship, whether years or days old, has its sentimental value in this place kept hidden away deep within us. How lucky are we to exchange parts of ourselves with others, to see past each other’s eyes and unlock a new part of each other? How miraculous is it that we can teach and show others their purpose, and in doing so, learn our purpose, too? That we can comprehend these unearthly relationships we share? 

Every interaction is synergetic. Both people walk away somewhat changed, not yet realizing it until it’s gone. How do we live once it’s gone? Once the familiarity of people dissolves in one swift motion? When leaves fall and we begin to feel the ice seep in our bones, realizing that the disappearance of another person means the disappearance of our identity, too? 

As the cycle of life continues—the sun rises, the waves listen to the moon, and the seasons change—we too overcome the harsh winter. The ice begins to melt, the sun peaks through the mossy trees, the flowers begin to bloom; and we are still here—here with the ones meant to remain. 

Only once we have learned this lesson can we truly be free. Once we can recognize people for what they were in our lives, regardless of how painful it may have been for them to leave. Once they taught us what they needed to, serving their ultimate purpose in our timeline, can we uncage them from our minds. 

I am a knitted scarf, each stitch made up of everyone I’ve ever loved and everything they’ve taught me. I am clay, molded together by the universe and the people strategically placed in it. I am a painting, each vibrant color a memory. I am a song, every note enhanced by the laughter of my loved ones. I am a tree, standing tall by the roots and support of my relationships, intertwined and connected with everything around me. I am the human experience.

Despite cold blizzards, paths never crossing again, memories that may haunt us and words left unsaid, the ones meant to stay will, and will continue to enrich our lives and plant gardens along our paths. My mosaic will keep growing with every experience, with the distinct colors, shapes and intricate details provided by the ones that are meant to stay. 

I hope you are meant to stay. 

Maya Kollme

August 2025