Who Am I, Really--

Who am I, really? I want to explore my taproot I am h-o-m-o sapiens, by gender, one of those males A protestant of the Christian faith, entirely moot, A writer of many sermons, stories, poems, and tales A pastor, a teacher, a writer/author by trade I am a father, friend, a neighbor, and confidante Once I was young, handsome, and ruggedly made Now, aging fast, infirmed--I have nothing to flaunt. I have, in my lifetime, engaged in many professions Studied hard and earned several difficult degrees From many lands, I have collected many possessions I am a naturalist, a conservationist, a hugger of trees An adventurer, a traveler, a vagabond of sorts Now an accomplished poet I spend most of my days Relaxing at home, nursing my ills, dressed in shorts Need no permissions, I suppose, I am set in my ways. Long ago, I served my country; I am a patriotic man I am a freethinker, a liberal, hard for some to figure For nearly eighty years I have done the best I can Fighting bullying and bigotry—ignites a protest vigor. I think of myself as an inveterate lover, seldom a fighter; On the other hand, I do not “suffer stupid fools gladly” It is my desire to make the day of everyone I meet lighter Rather than engage in mindless debate, I walk away sadly. So, if you have read these verses, you know where I am at And I know myself better for having written all of that! written May 25, 2021