I was a child, wild and free.
I spoke out of turn,
and fed berries to my neighbor as dessert.
I feigned indifference
when poison control was called.
My siblings, who followed me
dined on dog biscuits and wet cat food.
I demanded attention
and learned to be valuable.
I am my mother’s daughter.

I was a child, wild and free.
I sought out danger,
and my own great beyond.
I broke my arm as a thief
pretending to fall of my bike
stealing chalky limestone
to write graffiti on the street.
I required adventure
and questioned everything.
I am my mother’s daughter.

I was a girl, wild and free.
I was captivated by puffins and myths,
and read our encyclopedias from A to P,
I imagined for myself
the world from Q to Z,
never feeling cheated of that knowledge.
Asking questions without answers,
I looked to the stars for guidance,
and learned their names and storied pasts.
I am my mother’s daughter.

I was a girl, wild and free.
I played the sports they loved
and made it into a career.
I got called names and mocked,
came home and cried
over losses I thought I had caused,
the serves I should have made.
I expected perfection
and refused no as an answer.
I am my mother’s daughter.

I am a woman, wild and free.
I challenge myself,
and fail fast and recover.
I always land on my feet.
Apologizing for faults like honesty and generosity,
for a face that hides nothing,
telling the truth I don’t want you to know.
I keep money in my car for anyone who needs it,
and I never ask why.
I am my mother’s daughter.

I am a woman, wild and free.
I value the world
and believe in justice.
We marched in Raleigh and DC,
for rights we shouldn’t have to ask for,
two generations joined in a constant battle.
Embracing and acknowledging history,
I listen the stories of others.
and stand my ground to fight for change.
I am my mother’s daughter.

I am my mother, wild and free.
I am compelled by equality,
and protect the safety of others.
I was raised to be fearless and proud,
encouraged to speak my mind,
the ugly truths of this world,
undeterred from what I know is right.
I replace hate with love,
and always strive to be more.
I am my mother’s daughter.

I am my mother, wild and free.
I will never stop learning,
and went back to school at 44.
I will earn my doctorate in education,
to bring closure to a dream
sacrificed long ago at the alter of motherhood.
Honoring a lifetime of legacy,
I smile at being called “chip”,
and know there is nothing more I need to be.
I am Sandy’s daughter.