in a family with a history
I was born to the mom
that shed
her family's past
and fought for a better life.
I'm the lucky one.
in a small house
in a small town
I was raised without need
and with a love
from a father who sacrificed
so we could have extra.
I'm the lucky one.
with a varied history
over my years
and a troubled past
full of troubled people
making troubling decisions
and fearful nights
but here I am now
as I look around.
I'm the lucky one.
with a body
that doesn't cooperate
or coordinate
or function as it should.
I have family enough
and beautiful girls
turning into smart women
who call me auntie.
I'm the lucky one.
in a world where people want
and need
here is my job
in a place I respect
with people who are family.
I'm the lucky one.
I can explore the world
no longer just in books
see the mountains
feel the sea breeze
follow the paths of my heroes
in awe with each flight
and each step.
I'm the lucky one.
in a world that is unjust
and forced leaders that
have abandoned those in need
while pushing others
to the ground
because those they think are below
do not look
or love
like the rulers do.
I'm the lucky one.
as disease ravages the world
and blocks the air
in the chests of the people
struggling for breath
and for life
I cower in my home
protected by glass
hugging my chest to
protect my lungs
that were scarred years before
but here...
I am the lucky one.