I Did: A Poetic Process

Thank you for being here.

Thank you for taking this time to be present with these words.

Using the words that you hear as a prompt for what is going on within you.

Challenge your thought or how they are accepted in your being.

Once again,

Thank you.

I did.

I did not choose the color of my skin.

I did not choose on my body what parts stick out and what pokes in.

I did get to choose the me I am today,

What I'm gonna wear,

How I'm gonna act,

And what I'm gonna say.

Following the lead of parents and teachers and mentors wise,

I fall down,

I get up,

I keep my eyes on the prize.

My voice may be strong,

But need not be loud.

My words,

Filled with truth,

Do my ancestors proud.

With trials and errors,

I found my style.

When you see my actions or hear my words,

I hope you smile.

I did not choose my height,

My sex,

My skin.

I did choose to live fully in the skin I'm in.