P O E T R Y

Legacy

I want to leave something behind me.

A mention in a history book, maybe three.

Because I don't want to be forgotten

As someone who never took a stand.

But what is this?

What is a legacy?

The word itself is rather strange.

Let us see.

It's writing a page of a book someone will finish for you.

It's gathering the ingredients for a cake you never get to eat.

It's sowing seeds in a garden you never get to see.

That, my friends

Is a legacy.

And I'm afraid.

So, so deathly afraid

Of not being able to leave something behind me.

Of asking that question as I die

Have I done something for humanity?

And saying

no.

I'm not terribly smart.

But I have a heart.

And a heart is all I have to give.

Will I do my best, with my only heart?

Or will I ignore my legacy?

The best I can do, dear friends

Is just let myself be

me.

Create a legacy

That will hopefully outlast me.

That I won't be someone forgotten in time

Like many before me.

"Oh look. Your great grandmother Seoyeon."

"What'd she do?"

"Nothing."

This terrifies me.

And it drives me to be something...

Better.

Braver.

Stronger.

Something I'm not, but I will strive to be.

What will be my legacy?

Only time will tell, but I pray to God above

That I will leave a legacy of love.

-Seoyeon