"Hello" - A Poem About Me

Hello

I come from "to be rather than to seem,"

Februarys of 80 degree weather

and spending Christmas outside jumping on the trampoline,

sipping Carolina Cheerwine, gazing at kudzu-covered constructions,

finding my first love and losing my first pet.

I come from "the crossroads of America,"

Februarys of blizzards

and white-out Valentines,

eating sugar cream pie, gazing at cornfields that grow people,

moving North with my mother and sister to live with my mother's parents,

who I called grandpa and grandma,

then just grandpa.

I'd like you to meet me: advocate of empathy,

wearing left-handed the most valuable treasure I've ever earned,

brimming over with a passion for words and an undying hope for humanity,

raised by peace churches,

a piano in the living room,

and fresh herbs on the windowsill.

My greatest realization-

Perfection is an illusion,

but nothing is more real than love.

I come from people who taught me people are what's most important,

no matter who they are,

and "perspective, perspective, perspective."

My greatest lesson- Openness:

I will share my heart with you,

and I will listen if you want to share yours too.