You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. ~Henry David Thoreau


The tapestry of time is immense, the thread count incalculable, and my own story is woven delicately throughout over the millenniums. It is surprising to me how vivid the colors of my story still are; though many a moon has risen and fallen these memories do not fade. I was born to be a Queen and my early childhood was devoted to preparing me for the myriad of responsibilities that would too soon be mine.

I had not ruled over my land for long before scouts came back to me from a kingdom across the Sudan telling of a King who possessed great wisdom and wealth. The decision was made that having good relations with such a King would serve to enhance my own rule. In the springtime of my sixteenth year, taking many riches and gifts as offerings for this ruler, my caravan and I made the dangerous trek across the mountains, deserts, and even the sea itself, which took close to a year to complete. How could I have known how that this arduous journey and the time I spent with this great king known as Solomon in his beautiful palace in the city of Jerusalem would forever change the stitching of my life? It was that trip that ultimately led to my transformation into the being I am now.

It was said to me often that my name would be remembered down through the ages, just as most great kings and queens are, but I had no idea that my physical form would endure for all of time as well. I have reconciled myself with the guilt I once felt regarding what I must do to survive, and now live my life with joy. It is a wonder to be able to observe the way the world keeps changing over the passage of time. I no longer have to take a life to continue to exist; only small sips here and there suffice. However, I must consume all there is to experience, swallow it whole.

How many lifetimes must one navigate before there is nothing else to know, nothing new to do? I have yet to discover that number, for even though I have walked this earth for ages upon ages I continue to learn some new bit of information every night; there is always an exciting journey to undertake. If a soul leaves itself open to knowledge and adventure these things will always find a way. It is never necessary to let ones mood descend to permanent despair or apathy. By persisting in embracing the cup that has been passed to me and using what lessons I’ve learned to grow and change in my own way, my story will continue to be woven through the tapestry. In times past, fate has decided the color of the fiber that made up the scenes of my life, but now I pick the hues that will thread the needle. I was the Queen of Sheba; you may now call me Makeda.