I Was the One

 

I still hear my mother’s voice,

“Michael!  It’s lunchtime, come on home”…

Although she died in my 50’s,

I didn't feel like an orphan, alone.

 

I was the one risking my life,

Dodging traffic on a busy road,

Filling up my metal bucket,

With every migrating baby toad.

 

I was the one with the garbage can,

Full of water and gasping carp,

Transporting them to a safe place,

To a well preserved State Park.

 

I was the one who rescued,

Injured animals on the street. 

Seeing they got some medical help,

If they had only a faint heartbeat.

 

I was the one who voted,

For every promise of equality.

I also considered heated issues,

Promising some measure of frivolity.

 

I was the one when my parents died,

When we sold the family home…

Who realized I wasn't homeless,

I at all times had my phone. 

 

I was the one with heroes,  

Merle Haggard , told my story...

Leonard Cohen, told my deeper side,

With both the bitterness and glory. 

 

I was the one who chose this Photo,

The meanest in my box on the shelf…

I didn’t want to appear a kind man,

In order to protect myself.