Roots

I am from an ex-Mormon family,
made up of four black sheep—
shunned by over 97 second-cousins.

I am from creationism and story tellers,
void of evolution and climate change.
I am from decaf tea and orange soda,
from Family Home Evening and scriptures.
I am from the Utah desert and Idaho plains,
isolated beauty and self-reliant communities.

I am from Hungarian philosophers and physicists,
tie dye and wildflower watercolors,
I am from artists and gypsies.
I am from organic PB & pickle sandwiches,
and homemade hazelnut granola.
From mountain climbers and hitch hikers,
adventure seekers and dreamers.

I am from the Rose City of lush fern forests,
Trillium Lake and the McKenzie River rapids.
I am from Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park—
tufted puffins and caves scattered with starfish.
I am from environmentalists and gardeners,
leaving behind flowers but picking up trash.

I am from hard work and resilience,
from "bite on a stick" pain relief,
and "rub some dirt on it" antibiotics.
I am from those that heal with prayer,
and those that heal with herbs.

I am from two extremes,
spiritual dreamers and Mormons—
one will tell you they are more righteous.
I am from gradual change and acceptance.
I am from honesty and truth,
from spiritual guidance and good will,
and listening before arguing.

I am from two rivers of belief,
born into a family standing at the fork.
Pushed to the curb of the Celestial Kingdom,
I am joined by my parents and brother,
turning around and blazing a trail,
knowing that there are more than two beliefs,
that govern this world.
3

You might also like…

Poetry

Krab

Elvyre Fregnac

I don't want to boast, but I've just pulled off a real masterpiece. At the age of seventy-five, I have become the unrivaled outrageous old lady of Moussy-lès-Limas. I live in this peaceful little ... [+]

Poetry

Tiger, Oh Tiger

Kenneth N. Margolin

The black man who approached from the rear of the gathering at my father's burial looked to be one hundred years old. He was frail, but not bent. He walked haltingly, supported by two black ... [+]

Poetry