Scattered Thoughts

From a little cafe in Lisbon

I am 25 years old and this is half the life of some people.

Soon enough I will begin to show signs of age.

My beard may have gray hairs, and my hair may thin.

My gait may become slower, and my strength may falter.

From Lisbon to Tunis and everywhere in between, I’ve met many good people.

This world is full of good people.

While I am living, I shall believe in the goodness of people.

Despite the evils we see on an increasing basis due to the virality of the internet.

The world is large, diverse, and dynamic. It is also small and human and simple.

We must all have an anchor somewhere. We must derive identity from someplace.

I have now gathered my identities: American, Algerian, Tunisian, Muslim. And I feel for the first time settled.

I know who I am, and I love what makes me who I am.