I Am Who I Am

I am who I am

Were you to ask where I’m from my past my tale my next of kin
the answer lies in who tells my narrative my twist what kind of spin

My autobiography is quickly shown in who I am will be in time
past present future blend in context and contingency overt and sublime

No doubt the product of genes and socialisation is rather pertinent
thus mixing and mingling draws frameworks but is also quite reticent

German ancestry Lower Saxon and East Prussian born after the War
struggling with Genocide Holocaust trans-generational down to my core

Grew up in Hamburg somewhat lonely understood by not many but few
too young in my school year a class clown a rebel a critic because I knew

Teachers could not reject or downgrade me since I got full marks in exams
so I carved out my niche opposed authority of Messieurs and Mesdames

A late child of the Student Revolution an exchange to California ensued
where hot love struck me like balm on my wounds with Gigi from Peru

After graduation I rejected being supported by my father and joined the Army
to gain independence yet the method to gain freedom now seems very barmy

Could not leave the Forces despite pretty vigorous conscientious objection
did my best to help others as a medical doctor in humanistic inception

My duties brought me to Wales by the Irish Sea with five children and marriage
country medic and farm house guiding my kids and then nuptial miscarriage

Depression struck no light at the end of the tunnel just darkness and void
too much drink downcast in my mental wheel chair and almost destroyed

Went to rehab in South Africa for treatment where God-incidence came
where I met my wife best friend lover soulmate who had suffered the same

Now I sit in the sun in South Africa stopped medicine write story and poem
reinvent  my life some inner child stuff self-actualisation and certainly growing

New awareness novel perspectives pacifism philosophy and many questions
but the knowledge that kindness love and compassion are more than suggestions

My most intimate companion apart from my gorgeous wife is depression
both showed me my path journey and meaning my own life’s repossession

So few words about where I come from who I am will become and will be
so if you wish to explore more of my roots and my future please read my poetry
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Neumann Avatar
August 5, 2017 at 2:40 AM
Thank you Dan. Yes, life is full of surprises, hey. Many wishes, Kai
Cwiak Avatar
August 3, 2017 at 4:13 AM
It sounds as if you have had one full life after another, Kai. What an insightful write into your soul. Keep the words flowing and many of your demons of depression will be exorcised. Congratulations on your win and pursuit of life.
Cwiak Avatar
August 3, 2017 at 4:13 AM
It sounds as if you have had one full life after another, Kai. What an insightful write into your soul. Keep the words flowing and many of your demons of depression will be exorcised. Congratulations on your win and pursuit of life.
Makama Avatar
July 4, 2017 at 9:05 AM
Oh my goodness! This is why I always miss your work when I stay away from this site for a while. Your choice of words and perfect blend of a cute message is beyond description. This is definitely good..
Neumann Avatar
July 5, 2017 at 2:31 AM
Thank you Funom. That is such a great compliment. I am just trying to be honest and honest with myself. Many wishes, Kai
Robinson Jr. Avatar
June 22, 2017 at 3:32 PM
Very enlightening bio, Kai. Such a diverse life backstory. A man presumed to possess many talents ... your best gift though is embracing the truth of who you are, why you, and most importantly when you will be ... at that future place where you will be as was intended for eternity. As always, you are a breath of fresh air, my friend. Great poem. Love always.
Neumann Avatar
June 24, 2017 at 2:27 AM
Thank you Freddie. Your comment makes my day so far. You are right, the Universe is out there. And it is honest, so we might as well try honesty too. Love and Peace brother...
White Avatar
June 20, 2017 at 1:56 AM
Although we are far apart in so many ways, I feel very close to you. Thank you for sharing this.
Neumann Avatar
June 21, 2017 at 1:19 AM
Thanks Darren. I feel the same...
Marcum Wong Avatar
June 18, 2017 at 3:33 AM
I was spellbound reading your life story to date....and can only imagine what yet will be! You have shared quite an exciting and moving existence. Many blessings for the years to come. Excellent! : )
Neumann Avatar
June 19, 2017 at 8:54 AM
Thank you Connie. I am doing major tidying up at the house today. A healthy ordered mind in an ordered surrounding? Many wishes to you, Kai
Daniel Avatar
June 17, 2017 at 7:17 AM
Glad to know something of your adventurous life, Kai, thanks for sharing:) you are a great man, doctor and writer:)
Neumann Avatar
June 19, 2017 at 8:52 AM
Thank you so much for those very kind words. I feel honoured and it kind of makes my day. Lots of wishes to you, Kai
Roper Avatar
June 16, 2017 at 4:02 PM
I am glad I got to know this part of your life, Kai, your journey is still not over as you know, but with so much more to write about.. ~*
Neumann Avatar
June 17, 2017 at 4:04 AM
Thank you Eve. When we reflect on the past, we can get a good glimpse of what to do in the future. Many wishes, Kai
Callus Avatar
June 16, 2017 at 2:05 PM
Thank you for sharing your personal life experiences, Kai...quite full and hectic. With hindsight we realize that some choices made could have been different, but we are not fortune tellers. May the past serve to help build a better future. Regards // paul
Neumann Avatar
June 17, 2017 at 4:03 AM
Thanks for your comment. I believe in honesty, it helps enormously. As they say in AA 'secrets keep you sick' and I have indeed lernt a lot from the past...
Williams Avatar
June 15, 2017 at 9:12 AM
All the way from South Africa ! you have had a most illustrious and well traveled life and career Kai. You deserve a respite writing poetry after all that...Maria
Neumann Avatar
June 16, 2017 at 3:32 AM
Thank you Maria, that is very kind of you. I am still feeling guilty at times, not to contribute as a doctor no longer. But life takes peculiar twists sometimes. And poetry is indeed my respite and I can shout with my writing. Thank you again and many wishes, Kai
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