I am one.

I am one. 

You may not see me immediately, though I am present.  
You indeed may look past me. 
You may not recognize me 10 years into the future; where will I be?  Will I be? 
I am only one.  
What is the significance of such a number?  I am so close to zero; am I not nothing? 

But that’s when I hear whispers. 

I am one.  

But my ears are two. 

And my two ears hear quiet murmurs.

I hear the love of a stranger.  

The mumble grows.  

I listen to the God of this place and of this race. 

The voices increases. 

I am one.  

But my eyes are two. 

And I see writings on the wall.  The teacher gives of her knowledge and… it’s marvelous.

WAIT.  

The noise stops -- 

Where did it go? 

I am just one. 

There are so many of me.  I am lost in a crowd.  I am alone.  

I am only one. 

I have nothing. 

One. 

And then something happens.  

I was prepared for a bitter life... But I was not prepared for THIS. 

I am one. 

-- But I feel two.  

There is a something bigger here.  

It’s much bigger than I am – I am only one, you remember – and it’s…in my heart? 

I feel stronger.  I feel able.  I feel loved. 

I am two.  

I did not see this immediately. 

I cannot look past the change.

I do not recognize this spirit. 

Yet I know it’s right.  I know it’s good.  I accept it.

And I’m thrilled to be a part of two.  

Now I have a bundle of joy. 

Now my focus is on the hour and living for the crowd that I was previously lost within. 

Now I have a ray of peace. 

Now I have the courage of David and the faith of Ruth. 

Now I have hope. 

…And my timid bite gives way to a smile. 

poem and photo by Aleisha