So, it's thanksgiving, and I'd like to thank the people that have shaped me into who I am today, which the majority of those people are my friends. But with every good memory, there are also harsh.
I remember the year that my great-aunt looked me straight in the eye and told me how disappointed she would be if I ever became one of those "attention-seeking, immature punk people", and then warned me to stay away from the 'loud kind of music that made people kill themselves.' I was seven.
I remember the year that my grandmother pulled me into a hug and then warned me to stay away from "the destructive gays" because of their corrupt nature and flamboyant personalities.
I remember the year that my grandfather talked to me about avoiding people of other races, "because most of them were dangerous", and how we could never be sure, so just avoid them all.
I remember the year that my grandmother told me all of the ways to treat my future husband right, and that my most important asset was the ability to cook. I replied, "but what if I don't marry a man?" She gave me a look of utter disappointment and then told me that was the only way to get anywhere in the world.
I remember the year that my cousins looked at me and asked me why I didn't join them when they were praying, and I was forced to hold back my reasoning, which could've been explained as simply as "I just don't believe the same things you guys do."
I remember the year that I mentioned how I would like a tattoo someday, and my grandparents looked shocked, and dare I say it, disappointed.
"Don't you have a boyfriend yet?" they ask. My response "no."
"But you're such a pretty girl!"
"Grandma, I don't want a boyfriend. And I'm certainly not perfect."
"Oh, you will someday. Ooh, you'll get married and be a mother!"
So yes, I'd like to thank the people who don't berate me for the person I'd like to be, and the people who have helped me become that person. I owe you more than I could ever give.
not really a poem, more of a thank you. But I thought I'd put it here.
