WHO IS SHE?

ANDREA SCHOENTHAL
Allegany Arts Association
4TH ANNUAL POETRY SLAM
WINNING POEM: 2ND PLACE

WHO IS SHE?

She is a woman who cries at parades and carnivals, school plays and television commercials.
She is someone people take care of.
A survivor of childhood wounds and adult illness,
She surprises herself at times with her strength,
And at other times with her neediness.
She has known grief and joy, pain and healing, anger and acceptance, guilt and forgiveness.

She is daughter, sister, wife, mother,
Mother-in-law, friend, neighbor, parishioner,
Niece, aunt, great aunt, cousin,
Cat owner, home owner, volunteer, homemaker, writer.

Although she grew up listening to Elvis, Duane Eddy, Ricky Nelson and Roy Orbison,
It wasn’t until the opening of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that she revealed she’s still a rock fan.
Listening now to the local oldies station,
She cries when she hears Elvis sing: “Are You Lonesome Tonight?”

Who is she? Is she you? Is she me?