when louise glück said, a woman will return looking for the girl she was
i felt that
From when I was a little girl to now, I continue to have a journey of self-recovery and introspection. As a third-culture kid, growing up in different countries has been tender. A mosaic of experiences has shaped my identity—each phase contributing to various pieces of who I am today. Returning to the girl I was once involved revisiting the roots of my identity—memories of Yoruba folklore and stories my dad tells me, the vibrant and multifaceted culture of South Africa, and the unique blend of New Zealand’s natural beauty and Māori culture. I love all my identities.
The return is not just about nostalgia; it is about reclaiming parts of myself that the pressures and challenges of adulthood might have overshadowed. It has been a journey to reconnect with the innocence, and dreams of a little girl who once roamed freely in the worlds of her imagination, unburdened by societal expectations or the complications of adult life. For me, this means honouring the cultural heritage of my Nigerian roots in my poetry, bringing in the resilience and adaptability fostered by my South African upbringing, and the openness to new perspectives that living in New Zealand has cultivated in me. It is a call to embrace all facets of my identity, understanding that they coexist harmoniously and contribute to my strength and uniqueness as a woman. I hope my seven-year-old self is proud of my resilience.
In a broader sense, Glück’s quote speaks to the universal experience of seeking one’s true self amidst the layers of life. For me, this means finding the courage to look inward, to embrace the girl I once was, and to let her guide me in navigating the present and future with authenticity and self-awareness. It is about understanding that the essence of that young girl I once was, with all her dreams and aspirations, still resides within me. My younger self is the foundation upon which I build my inner imagination, a reminder of where I come from and the potential of who I can become.
Ultimately, returning to the girl I once was is an act of self-love and acceptance. There is no difference between me and my younger self. I am her. She is me. We are one. We are part of the same soul. It reminds me that every stage of my life has contributed to the person I am today. By reconnecting with my past, I can move forward with greater clarity. It is a journey of embracing my full self, weaving together the threads of my diverse experiences into a tapestry that tells the story of my life.
“The girl who disappears from the pool will never return.
A woman will return, looking for the girl she was.” — Louise Glück