Who I am

I am from a family of seven
Two brother two sisters
The fourth in the bunch
Somewhere in the middle

I am my mother's daughter
And daddy's little girl
But no matter the name
All five are their world

I am named for a bird
With it's beautiful wings
No matter outside appearance
My beauty is within

I am an aunt to my niece
And a nephew on the way
So innocent and delicate
In my eyes that's how they'll stay

I am an adult to some
Yet a child at heart
Always told to grow up
One day I'll start

I am from red envelopes
And cherry blossoms in bloom
Paper lanterns lit with candles
During festivals of the moon

I am a realist yet a dreamer
And a believer of fate
We all make mistakes
But it's never too late

I am from Saturday dinners
With the family gathered 'round
With no peace and quiet
But I wouldn't trade that sound

I've been taught to listen
And only to be seen
Despite the traditions
Who I am is who I want to be

-Uyen Do-
2006

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