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I Was Born

I was born of sand and sea
Of ozone so fresh 
It could be tasted

I was born of a mountain
A picture postcard backdrop
Shadowing a small seaside town
It's grassy slopes
And sheer rock faces
Visible to all

I was born of sunshine
Long summer days
Spent on glorious sandy beaches

I was born of seagulls
Squawking their plaintive cries
Hovering over any left-overs
Amassing around the harbour
Expectantly awaiting
Returning fishing boats

I was born of a stilted, wooden cafe
Vending ice-cream, tea, scones
And buckets and spades

I was born of poverty
Of making do
Of hand-made clothes
Made from cast-offs
And recycled yarns
Our toys passed down
Revamped to look new

They were new to us

I was born of tasty, home-made soups
Full of fresh vegetables
And cheaper cuts of meat
Wholesome and warming
 
I was born of cold winters
Coal fires, condensation dripping
In icicles down cold,
Salt encrusted window panes
Of hot water bottles
Moved around the bed
To warm cold sheets

I was born of Vick's vapour rub
Of Eucalyptus and Cod liver oils
Miracle cures we were told

I was born of shyness
Of under-achievements
Loneliness, and 
Not meeting expectations of others


I was born from dust
Fine particles from the environs of space
Combined to make atoms and molecules
Which make up everything we know

I am a miracle

I was born


Carol Keys. (21.02.13)

Inspired by Joseph Buckley, We Are Poets (I Come From)

Copyright © Carol Keys | Year Posted 2014

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