I Am That I Am

What’s so wrong with standing out in the crowd

Wearing green when everyone else is in brown,

Being down low when everyone is off the ground

Taking the left side when the others are on the right

What’s so wrong with putting up a fight

When the others stand back, out of sight

What’s so wrong with speaking my mind, being in the light

Singing out loud, out of tune

Dancing in the street and speaking to the moon

What’s so wrong with me wearing my heart on my sleeve

Knowing someday you might pick-up and leave

If you take some of my love, I won’t call you a thief

Just don’t be surprised if your departure is my relief

What’s so wrong with being unique

So what if I don’t shop at a boutique

What’s so wrong with working the fields

The rice and corn and cane and beans

Blistering my feet, getting stung by bees

Working in the world of the forgotten

Working side by side by them

What’s so wrong with looking you in the eye

And seeing if your words are nothing but lies

What’s so wrong with my feminine side

Do you think I’m weak, that I’ll run and hide?

I am that I am!

My strength is mine!

It’s been challenged sometimes

It’s been built with time!

What’s so wrong with me bearing my load

Walking barefoot on this road

I’m not alone!

Because I am that I am

Don’t need anything else

Just put me to the test!

© Kathya J. Castañeda