Nest

I am a bird making its nest

Collecting things from here and there

From him and her

Gathering an assortment of characteristics from everywhere I go

I've been creating my own culture

I'm not a new girl from Chicago

Nor am I a yankee, a valley girl, a sooner or a southern Belle

I grew up in rain and gloom

From beaches that were pebbled and calm

To beaches that are sandy and wild

From beautiful mountains

To barren flatlands

From Starbucks and city lights

To sweet tea and orange groves

And now I live in the sticky heat

I'm not like you

I'm not like anyone

I am me

I am a bird and I'm building my nest