On the second floor of my school, the senior AP English class had written these ‘I Am’ poems. In these writings our students professed who they were and where they stood, at the age of 17, 18, and 19 years old.
I stood there reading these young lives posted on a bulletin board. The pages said things like:
‘I am different. I am the most I can be for my son’
‘I act as if I don’t care when I really do’
‘I am afraid of what the judge will say every time I go back to court’
‘I am going to finish school’
Their words resonated within me. As I kept reading these small snippets of their lives, I began to ponder who I was. I wondered what affect placing the spirit of who I am on paper would have. So, I began to write…
I am textured Multi-layered yet not made of the same cloth
Rough enough to withstand the rain
As breathable as cotton, as fine as silk
Yet, weighted
I am coarse, yet balanced
Involved, yet withdrawn
Giving and guarded
Wounded Healing
Afraid to open up to him
For fear that my heart is too fragile
To be held in his strong
Hands
Emotional, although too stubborn to often show it
Vulnerability
Creates anxiety within me
I am nervous, yet steady Shaky Kissable Lips soothed by petroleum jelly Dainty
Having a fondness for dresses and flowers
Heels high like my standards
Orderly
I am readable, yet sacred
Translucent, yet opaque
Imaginative
Yearning to see realities
As I see them in my
Head
Determined
Afraid
Fearful
The unknown often frightens my innermost being
At times paralyzing me
Only for brief moments
Spontaneous
Moving without a plan
Caring
Heart often full
Overflowing
Affectionate
Hands interlocking with mine
Providing a sense of
Security
Thought provoking
Yet always
Thinking
Uncertain, yet sound
Clear
Spiritual and grateful
Gracious and appreciative
Consoling
Prayerful
Needing to rely on the strength of others To fortify my Foundation
Nurturing
Wiser than my years
Yet, younger than my days
Sense is common to me
Chocolate lover Movie watcher
Foodie
Skin decorated with The loveliest of cocoa stains
Nails manicured
Clothing tailored
Classic
I am laughter
Giggles that provide serenity
At the most gracious times
Traveler, explorer, fascination
Learner and Lover
I am a writer One who pens my
Disappointments
Achievements
Sorrow
Triumphs
Life…on paper
I engrave my love on a flattened tree And rest in the idea that it will remain for
Eternity
I speak words that float onto lines
Lines providing order
A sound of mind that would otherwise
Not prevail
I am a writer
Dipped in chocolate
Sweeter than imagined
Solid in bone dense
Pure in heart
I am a writer
A voice of experiences to be
Shared