In youth I learned to jump First off steps, then rooftops Spirit of adventure Nurtured in the heart of a child Preschool acrobat twirling on my head Grandma swatted my bottom Repeated words like Tomboy Never learned to be ladylike Catholic school discipline Uniforms, religion classes, daily mass Never satisfied with any accomplishment Even the nuns called me “perfectionist” Blessed with storytellers in my family Dad and sis would send me to dreamland On the wings of a unicorn Or Shakespeare’s amazing plays Family and friends I hold dear Each has influenced my thinking I learned to offer support in troubled times And to thank God every day for special people Unable to have children The most crushing blow Accepted at a young age But rued for a lifetime Lover of Jack London, John Steinbeck From Jack, I found adventure From John, I learned compassion Dickinson’s poetry touched my heart If I can find a way To make a friend feel joy Then this is my mission Comforter, nurturer November 16, 2020 For Silent One’s “It's a part of me - Life and the perceptions and philosophies you hold Poetry Contest.”