#slicedrighthrough

As I lie in this massive double bed alone in a life where everyone constantly asks and the others likely wonder why I'm not married and as in Trinidad often in bafflement or self-defense conclude I'm a lesbian I think what a gift it is to have the independence I have. When I woke in the middle of the night and see my Egyptian farmer friend online, who I haven't spoken to for waaaay too long, up at the ungodly hour, I ring him. With no husband next to me I don't have to get up and go next door to the cold living room. We philosophised about our experience of societies around the world. The similarities and differences. About friendships that have contributed to who we are today. (I discover In Egypt phones cut off after one hour. And then I'm reminded of this fact). I hear dad quoting, is it Donne (not fighting w internet now) in a performative voice, "no man is an island" and I hear the bell toll (ok being dramatic ... not even a muezzin calling for prayer). I am not alone. I am part of a closely Woven fabric of love.

Earlier in the day I spoke to a relatively new friend (3 years maybe). Nea Qha a social worker and one of those people who fell in love with Trinidad and now more Trini dan me! Yuh know de type! She shocked me (doesn't often happen) with a question she asked me. She went for the jugular. The beautiful thing about the question was that it was one of those moments when I think, "Meh frien' knows me better than I know myself". She stopped me in my tracks. Travelling, you get close to people quickly. 'Forced' to live and work in close proximity on a film production u quickly find the people with whom you align. It's striking how fast it happens. How quickly new friends behave towards me as though we've known each other for years, for lifetimes.its a thing at which to wonder. Living as part of a film production crew is like you're fast forwarding life and relationships. I think my new friend Kirollos George (rapid alignment there- within hours I think we were talking and we never stopped. We had day-long conversations. Every day. I mean we parented a kitten together- that's huge! Oops I think I abandoned said child. Bad parent!

So back to my social worker friend who sliced through my BS with those Japanese swords. To feel you are so closely aligned with someone is a gift. To be so well-understood (maybe being misunderstood is my trigger), she understood who I am at my core, she understood my life, my parents, my community, everything, everyone who has shaped me and the choices I make. She said to me, "You really don't like injustice, do you?". Light words maybe, but her tone, her gravitas, her solemnity belied something deeper and I was reminded she is one of my Soul Sisters. So very blessed to be able to connect with so many people who care deeply, to have been taught that that's what's important. Such an honour. Thanks dad. Thanks mum. Thank you.