Poem 25, June 25             

To Write  

I never had to leave the place
I called home, nor forget the community
where my beliefs, values, & concepts
endure. I am a product of my environment.  

I never gave up my speech,
nor changed my face,
nor regretted my uneven landscape intercepts
to favor a greater society’s torment.  

I never fought positive change to the land
I love. I fought the idea of making an escape
to some other place; I have gone in search of self,
ridge to ridge, on foreign soil, but more  

& more words take me inward,
images, & feelings unite on the landscape
of my soul that defines me, has me assert myself
that I, without wings, may soar  

& be
& become
& give form to the voice
I always heard.