Tapestry

Dozens of bits of fabric, woven together

Collected across generations

Across continents and cultures

Make up a beautuful work of art.

The blazing orange of the Nigerian sunset,

The Norwegian Sea's brilliant blue,

The emerald green of Ireland's lush, rolling hills,

And the warm tan of the Israeli desert,

Harmoniously intertwined

With the rugged slate grey of Scotland's coastline,

Each piece a different size, a different shape,

But all equal in importance.

They stand proudly alone,

But without even one, it's not complete.

The sum, is at once, more, and less than it's parts.

Curious onlookers often ask,

confused by the intricately woven masterpiece,

"What are you, though?"

I smile, strengthened by the ancient wisdom of my ancestors,

And tell them,

I am everything you imagine I am,

And everything you don't,

I am everybody,

And I'm just me.

I'm the product of centuries of struggle,

of triumph, and of love and life and laughter,

Uniquely bonded.

I, my friend, am a tapestry.