I am not an activist
not a debater of politics
not a spiritual guide or guru
I’m not a heritage in this mess that is my bloodline
not the lands my feet walk home across
I’m not a statistic or an example
no
I’m so much more
than the pieces of this puzzle
I’m every breath I’ve ever taken
including the ones I couldn’t seem to catch
I’m each beat of my heart
skipped or stuttered or steady
all the same
I’m a collection of thoughts
each a single speck of glitter
sparkling and clashing with the light of those around it
so much more than the pieces [poem]
