Untitled*

My mother has hair like a fire's embers gone dim
She has so much love
but she sees things so grim

My father has eyes of a bright, clear green
He is my sanctuary
When my home becomes a scene

Patrick and Kelly have hair like my mother's
They're not around much
So they seem to be just faces among others

Erin has dark hair and eyes like jade
When things get too dark
She helps me lift up the shade

Shelby is said to look like my twin,
but we fight too much
I will Not let her in

There are many other people in my heart's family tree
Though not all of them share
The same blood as me

Grandad is big, with warm brown eyes
His arms hug me close
As he listens to my cries

Carmen is like a second mother to me
She helps me laugh
And find nice things when they're hard to see

Phil is kind and his laugh is so funny!
And he's big and he's lovable
and sweeter than honey

My family is weird, and mixed up and strange
They drive me crazy everyday
but it would stink if anything would change

*Okay, I originally wasn't going to share this one. I had to write it for a grade in my language arts class and it was also required by my teacher to be entered into a poetry contest. I never thought it was a very good one, but it seems others disagree, because it has been selected to be published in Award-Winning Young Authors of America. I just felt like sharing my first published poem after hearing that bit of wonderful news. Enjoy.