I’m a late becomer
Seems like most other knew
Who they gonna be since they were young
Not me

I spent 30 years taking emotional care
Encouraging others’ dreams
Being the girl they
Needed me to be until

My world was disrupted with sudden loss
My dad gone
My old framework left
Hollow and un-rooted

I took a peek inside
And began becoming
Moving toward honest
Naming, acknowledging, paying attention

To thoughts, emotions, physical sensations
Discovering a Jesus who meets in
Imperfections
Who doesn’t rush for answers

Here, in this space of becoming
While I feel slow and unsure
I am steadied by the secure hands and beckoning winds
The safe voice of my shepherd

Who enjoys
Who I am becoming
However long
Becoming takes.

BJP