The Who I Am

My father, a PhD botanist and professor of biology at Emory University, spent most of his professional life studying the flora of granite outcrops in the south, of which there are way too many to number.  On many summer or spring breaks, Dad would load the entire family into the car, and off we would travel to explore these sites with him.  It was always an adventure that we looked forward to; a break in what could all too easily become a humdrum, day-to-day existence.  Even when temperatures soared to 100 plus on those exposed rocks, simply being with Dad, discovering new and thriving species in the harsh environs, was reward enough.

Perhaps, because the month of March denotes Dad's passing in 2014, this memory returns to me, strong and vibrant.  I am immediately called to write it down.  And one thing I've learned over the years of trusting in God, when the nudge comes from Him, acknowledge and act!  The following poem is my answer to the Lord's inspiration.

~

Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Who I Am

Our car pulls up, stops at homestead

In need of paint and reparation

Neglect not caused by aspiration

But only means to make it happen

Mom, brother and I watch

As Dad approaches gates of hell

In asking for permission to

Explore a hidden pearl-rich outcrop

On the land owned and valued

By this family.  It belongs

For generations to them all

Dad's Yankee accent, did he hide?

Had he learned the lilt and lisp

Of quaint Southern inflection

To convince reluctant owner

And sanction Dad's wish to trespass?

Whatever transpired, the path was clear

But I will ever recall, photo sharp

The two sons, wistful, overall clad,

Who meet my gaze with wonder, longing

For that which other children have

And I, in unexpected union

Find myself wishing to trade

My life with theirs, authentic, true

Because that's what I glean and gain

From their poor in spirit gazes

Rich in God's comforting wisdom

For there begins the who they are

And there begins the who I am