Who am I?

This poem was read on my radio program during and interview with Ronda
Robertson. The poem was written by a boy from the Tulsa Boys' home.

Who Am I?

I'm the boy who got up early one morning

and found my mother's body stiff and cold.

I'm the boy who had to eat from the trash dumpster

My mom will come for me soon.

I'm the boy who lost my parents, but I got substitute parents

It's not all bad I can still see out of my right eye.

I'm the boy that my uncle taught to be a girl

The tears will heal and the taste will dissipate.

Who am I?

I'm the boy that cries at night

Someday the loneliness will end.

I'm the boy that people say is really ugly,

But when I get big people will stop making fun of me.

I'm the boy who was left to care for my brother and sister

She came back 6 months later.

I'm the boy he used for an ashtray

The scars are not too bad.

Who am I?

I'm the boy who ran to mom for a hug

she was just too busy.

I'm the boy that loves his father

even as I saw his back as he walked away.

I'm the boy who sat in the truck with my blanket

as mommy worked the graveyard shift.

I'm the boy that hid in my room and covered my ears

He is beating her again.

Who am I?

I'm the boy who can't sit still in class

just can't concentrate, what's the point anyway.

I'm the boy that steals what I can

who else will meet my needs.

I'm the boy who annoys those around me

negative attention is better than none.

I'm the boy that sneaks all the sweets I can

I need to feel good.

Who am I?

I am not the football captain

no one believes in me.

I am not the honor roll student

What will it be like when I get home.

I'm not the student body President

Look at the clothes I wear.

I'm not the boy who mows your lawn

but I will gladly take your money.

Who am I?

I am no longer a victim

I am the captain of my own ship

I am a victor in life

I am a Doctor

I am a lawyer

I am no longer alone.

Who am I?

I'm a Tulsa Boy's Home resident.

Clint Anderson