ALL THAT I AM CAME BEFORE

All that I am,
Came before.
It is the chain unbroken,
If you but explore.

Now I love a fine vest,
Something new to wear brings such joy.
Grandmother on Dad's side
Was ne'er so pleased as when fancy dressed.

My hair has a reddish hue,
And my fair skin adorned with freckles.
Gramma dear, had in her youth,
Tresses of red, and the sun-kisses too.

I like to sing,
Alone, by myself, or in choral union, either choice.     
My Dad, and now many cousins, raise their voice
To make that "joyful noise".

And, in nature, I can spend hours
Enjoying each growing thing.
Grandfather and Dad loved flowers,
Birds and wild open spaces.

All that I am
Came before,
It is the chain unbroken,
If you but explore.

I have a curious and inquiring mind,
There's so much to discover.
My mother likes to learn what she can find,
Fearless voyager into the deeper side.

And I am not the first
To take pen to paper,
In search of rhyme.
Grandpa's kin wrote in earlier time.

I am often shy,
Blushing and cringing at parties to speak.
Stammering so painfully,
My Dad was also this meek.

But there's one thing a mystery.
Where, oh where did
Come my leanings queer?
You'd think there'd be another like me.

There had to be someone in the past.
But no one's telling or told
This tale of old.
I am not the first nor the last.

All that I am
Came before,
It is the chain unbroken,
If you but explore.

4-24-97

   Back   
   Main   
   Next