Taylor Swift Inspires Short Stories – Part 2

A long time ago, I lived in a small village surrounded by mountains. Little happened there. Visitors were rare, as were the noise and smoke from cars, and the lines to check out at the supermarket, which was little. The height of spring was enlivened by a contest to choose the most beautiful garden. I always won. As a child, I celebrated by lighting fireworks that made little stars appear.

Behind my success was hidden Mr. Joaquim. When he wasn’t playing dominoes at the little table under the biggest tree in the square, he would come and visit my father. As he walked through the garden, which I always visited to take care of, especially my little bed of pansies, he would watch the flowers grow – rhododendrons, cockscombs, peonies, hyacinths and more. A little more soil here, some foliage there to filter the sun’s rays, eggshells to fertilize the soil… he would suggest, as he walked to meet my father.

There were many “Joaquims” who made me what I am today. Some taught me how to “plant” and others how to “harvest”. Some made me understand and accept that my truths were not unique. There were those who taught me that only diversity, in its mixture of colors, cultures, sounds, and dialects, can give color to the world.

I got to where I am because of all the “Mr. Joaquims” who shared their knowledge with me. I am who I am because I was welcomed, come rain or shine. There were many suns, many rains, many were “Mr. Joaquims”. I believe that I must immortalize them in an ode.

I want those who see me from the outside to see me from the inside. That way, they will know that my self exists amalgamated by the generosity of all those who offered me love, challenges, questions, cleared my doubts, calmed my restless being.

The all in one that I am is exemplified on the immense stage that is life. We are actors who depend on the words of our peers to continue the show. Without friendly sharing, there is no show. Without those who make us, we would be just the tiny grain of sand peering into the sky and falling in love with an unattainable star.

We grow and become bigger because of those whom destiny has lent to our lives, always actors. Sometimes we get the main role, but even then, we are not one. Hidden in a discreet corner of our plural self, there will be “your” Joaquim, alerting us to enrich the performance.

In the ode I wish to create, I will give way to those who deserve it. I will extol that although my uniqueness was respected, I gained several different and enriching points of view. I became much richer – the wealth that no thief can steal.

I will point out that the results were not always immediate, but, when necessary, the lessons learned from sharing knowledge came to the surface, strong, clear, vibrant. I will confess that by being the target of so many and so many shares, my mind and body learned to inform me how I can face what happens inside and outside of me.

Every piece of knowledge I have received through sharing is kept very well in the ivory tower, for when I need it. And for when I have the chance to pass it on to someone. This is how I understand the strategy shown by our species to ensure survival, both physical and social.

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*“Long Live”, a song created by Taylor Swift that is understood as a celebration of friendship and lasting memories. Taylor conveys a message of victorious moments and bonds formed through shared experiences. Initially, the song was attributed to be a tribute to Taylor’s band, but it didn’t take long for fans to embrace it as a song of love and gratitude to, in addition to the band - her fans and everyone who supported the songwriter and singer’s journey.