This is How Our Horizon Will Look

Swish, plop, bibbidi bop,

 

This is how our Horizon will look —

the ocean brings a family together,

all waves collapsed against each other,

revealing our culture.

 

This is how our Horizon will look —

The wind will slowly bring the canoe for a race,

But really we’re sailing in enlightenment, we’re sailing with speed and we’re proud of who we are.

 

This is how our Horizon will look —

As we trace our steps towards the ocean,

The fruit of the water with the color-changing coral and fishes right below us,

gives us the sign of times of how we truly became the people we are today.

As you sail further from the island, you sail further from your problems

Truly, you finally get to see the beauty of life.

 

This is how our Horizon will look —

feet on the water, canoes lying still in the middle of the ocean,

you don’t hear any cars scratching around the road,

you don’t hear any cries or yelling from people who are in pain and blaming against each other

you don’t hear your name getting called out for all the mistakes you’ve done..

You don’t hear those at all.

 

This is how our Horizon will look –

You hear the ocean calling your name and telling you,

it’s okay to cry, it’s okay to feel negative about what is happening,

You hear the water telling you to forgive and mend your mistakes,

the water will create waves, but at the end of the big swirl, you control how it becomes in the end,

still and peaceful it will become,

 

This is how our Horizon will look –

As you switch the sail back to face the island,

Foot on the sand, water splashing through your face, you realize

Hope is like the water, so calm and distorted,

And finally, you are at peace.

 

This is how our Horizon will look.

 

My name is Eloise Rose Lopez, I am currently a student at the Northern Marianas College, majoring in Elementary Education. I took my chance to become a teacher/counselor because I want to make a difference in my children's lives and show them the pathway to success, which is the purpose and following their dreams. When I was writing my poetry, I thought of how I wanted to go off-island for college and pursue science education. However, I also thought about how I'm going to be leaving my family, but seeing my friends go off to college got me jealous too. Although, as I started my summer by doing beach-clean ups and getting involved in the community-- I realize how fortunate I am to be living on an island of paradise. That is when I wrote this poem as my source of inspiration and really dig in my thoughts about my future. Also, it is never too late to see the world, but for now, my island needs me. With our economy being at one of the negative shape. I want to be able to make that change and help sustain our culture and the beauty of our environment. It is an irresistible look and I am afraid that when I do leave to fulfill my life-choices, I will come back with nothing left behind for my children to see what home was like to me. My future is there. I want to be able to share the stories I once had when I was in Saipan. But for now, let me create that impact. Let me make that difference. Because This is How Our Horizon will Look.