Then and Now

I was from
every day outside
sleeping in caves
saw the stars
heard the coyotes
in my bedroom
fierce determination
to do it all
when I grew up.

Now I am from
short-clipped fingernails
never know when I'll have to fight
determined to do it all
but it's not that easy
negotiating my place at work
leaving work behind at home
working on a story
for eight months
waiting for the time
and the inspiration
the story deserves
writing to shout who I am
because doing it all
obscures introspection.

I am from
bewildering confidence
that I will never cede
what I need.