I am from unlikely beginnings.

I am from
Protruding bellies and screams born into the night
From pink blankets and jackets zipped up tight.
I am from young women wishing and hoping upon a star.
They wish for a young child just as beautiful as they are.

I am from
Taking first steps clumsy as can be.
And breaking my new Barbie doll whose beauty I wish to be.
I am from first days at school and words dripping with honey.
Sweetie you’ll make some friends and don’t forget lunch money!

I am from
Walking to the bus wobbly kneed.
I was a flower, a tree, a forest still just a seed.
I am from sticky fingered children grabbing at the sun.
Happiness was endless we could never be done.

I am from
Girls changing, no longer interested in fun
They want to look the best, a game that cannot be won.
I am from screaming taunts and tears that make lakes
These girls will see I have what it takes.

I am from
Long nights and fights that have no meaning,
a constricted heart and feelings not worth deeming.
I am from unbridled hate and words that drip sore
I loved her, I thought I meant more.

I am from
Soccer tournaments and gymnastic trials
I thought I was good but I never made their files
I am from a misplaced foot and mistakes never ending,
and judges scores for all that accidental bending.

I am from
Wanting to prove, that I am better than that girl you knew
A meal or two missed so pure and true
Perfection was mine it was in my hands
They didn’t know me they didn’t know my plans


I am from
Not being good enough to suddenly look at me
108 pounds and five foot 3
Their words did not touch me and they finally saw
The girl with daylight shining through her legs, they looked upon me with awe.

I am from
Daddies leaving and never saying goodbye
Mommies crying asking: Why? Why? Why?
I am from anger that does not cease
Its not my fault daddy took up his lease

I am from
Not getting better and hospital visits
Doctors saying I will die unless I revisit
I am from recovery long and hard
The words still sharp like broken glass shards.

I am from a troubled past, but look at me and you will not see this poem. Take a look deeper and you will find that I am more than a raised book a cleverly placed eye. I am from unlike beginnings it is my origin. Though bleak and many times desolate I rise like Athena into the sun as the daughter/girl/woman/Me I have yet to become.