Best Poems Written by Naomi Beston

Identity

I am the daughter of two hard working parents 
Both who raised a strong christian daughter who is mixed with a touch of irish and african heritage
Who they raised to be proud of being biracial  
I am from a family who has its frequent arguments, but comes together when it matters
I am from a family who for generations had past addictions 
I am from a Mom who broke the cycle.
I am from a Dad who struggled too.
I am from the lectures with my Mom who spoke
“Do not give in. The next generation counts on you.”
I am from a Mom who was a first generation college student
a mom who inspires me and pushes me to excel 
a mom who teaches me to be pound of who I am

I am from a life of hard word and commitment
A life that rejects the phrase “give up”
I am from the countless hours of working at thirteen
I am from a male dominated workforce
A workforce that has frequent misconceptions of woman 
 I am from the long hot days in the sun 
which has sculpted my proficiency as a soccer referee.

I am from the “land of opportunity” that also has many faults
I am from a place where opposing viewpoints are censured 
while similar statements are praised
A place where you can’t be in between the lines
you must choose either pro or anti
I am from a place where there is constant judgment 
A place where our first amendment is violated
I am from a place where there is no certainty nor identity
But through all of this…
I am from a place who needs more kindness and less judgment 
I am from a place that needs equality for all
I am from a place that needs God

Copyright © Naomi Beston | Year Posted 2022