The Marigold Sonnets: A Reflective Journey

Today, it’s all about the surprise mix that Spotify serves. Concerto for Black Holes and Slime Molds by the Panty Sniffers—yes, the algorithm gets me. I’m here under a magnolia tree, putting my heart out there, staying away from anything that could be worse. I’m done with the stern stare of grandpa’s marlin trophy and the endless sales calls promising to fix a debt that doesn’t exist. And I’ve stopped scrolling through the bad news, at least for now. Nature is where I’m at, with birds chirping like they’re throwing sticks into a grinder and magnolia leaves dropping on me as if they were soft leather.

Marigold's New Life

Mari, now known as Marigold, has taken off to Mexico. She wants to escape her past and indulge in the unknown—with UFOs, light-hearted street life, and possibly questionable company. It sounds concerning, but then, I remember my own chaotic younger days. I may be older, but I still have my flaws. We share so many interests like animals, children, psychedelics, and girl bands—though I pretend to swap the psychedelics for booze these days. As a young adult, Marigold is shedding her past and diving into a new sensuous phase of life with all its desires.

The Rebel Within

She wants to defy what’s expected, to make an impression on those she admires, to challenge the status quo, and get her hands dirty with the rich soils of far-off lands. She’s learning from the world directly, buzzing with the energy of youth and the eagerness to extract herself from the sticky past. Yes, her room is a mess, but should I be worried? I have my own quirks, like going to sleep surrounded by a collection of stuffed animals and maybe a sleeping pill or two. What am I really trying to say?

A Reflection of Concern and Hope

Am I criticizing Marigold for seeking her version of heaven? I do wish she’d find guidance somewhere more grounded. But then again, I’m guilty of the same projections. Maybe her quest to lose herself in this tangled world is justified. It’s tough being young in these intense times. Sometimes, I long for the comforting embrace of nature like the magnolia tree. My own twenties were full of wild adventures and aspirations. Yet, when I look back, it’s as if it all happened to someone else, not me.

reflection, journey, growth