Unraveling My DNA (A response to Marianne Williamson's "Our Deepest Fear")
Born a Kansan,
modesty is woven more tightly into my chromosomes
than any DNA I got from Mom and Dad.
The strictures were clear,
obvious, inherent, unyielding.
Not just for me.
Midwestern.
I learned my lessons and absorbed them well.
Excellence could be pursued…
just do it quietly.
Work hard.
Keep your head down.
Be practical.
Now I’m told that my
“playing small doesn’t serve the world.”
That as a “child of God,”
I should shine.
I should swing for the fences,
try for the lead,
take a second bow.
I should shine.
But can I do that?
What happens if I shine
without filters, without shades,
without eclipse glasses?
What happens if I liberate my fears
and let God shine through me?
For today, I will try.
Today, I will sing.
Maybe dance.
I’ll do my best.
I’ll keep going.
And then I’ll put my hand out,
pull you in,
and say,
“Now. It’s your turn. Go.”