DIDS is a serial devoted to gathering around and sharing interesting stories about the past week, about the things we did (a DIDS) or that others did (also a DIDS) or that we want to do soon (ditto, a DIDS) or wish we had done (that's DIDS enough for me).
So, without further to-do, let me tell you what I DIDSed.
I was so moved by last night's speech by Michelle Obama, I decided to attempt a conversion of the text into a free verse poem.
(braces for critiques to come)
Perhaps you have some literature to share too? It might get lonely up here...
(attempt below the break)
I’ve felt my father’s presence
In every grace-filled moment of my life.
Watching over me.
He's been there every step of the way
I come here tonight as a sister
As a wife
As a Mom whose girls are the heart of my heart
And the center of my world
They are my first thought in the morning
And my last waking thought of the day
For their future — for all our children's sakes
I make my stand.
I come here tonight as a daughter
Child of my father
Child of my mother
Child of the South Side of Chicago
My mother's love sustains me
My greatest joy is seeing
Her every good thing reflected
In the bright eyes of my daughters.
My father was our rock
Stricken as he was, he provided
He gave and he guided
My unfailing champion
No pain forebade his love
No failing limb his laughter
Nothing came between him
And his warm kisses good morning
My brother and I are everything our parents had to give
All their faith, all their hope
And their boundless love
Because they dreamed, we endure.
With little more than our faith in each other
And a hunger for change
Each of us came here by their own way
And joined on this improbable journey
I came by way of my father
And of my mother,
I walked with my brother
I walk now with my husband and daughters
Perhaps you’ve seen him
The guy with the funny name
And the heart of gold
And the courage of worthy dreams
What is, is not always what should be
Never settle for less than justice
What is, can be made much better
If but you try.
For those who kiss their children
Between one job and the next
For those who say grace
While their loved ones serve abroad
For those who tend the sick
Who teach the children
The world as it is just won't do
Thank you for making it what it should be
Our improbable journeys have brought us together
Where the current of history meets the new tide of hope
Bearing our gifts to the world
To make it what it should be
Some teach, some guard, some heal
Some comfort, some gather, some share
Some drive, some study, some sing in the choir
The song of change soaring through the land
Because what is, is not what should be
And what should be is in the rearview mirror
Riding home from the hospital
Inching slowly into the better future
That my children and yours deserve.
