Where do my roots lie?

In the depths of my yesterday,

Trying to pour into

The waterways of my tomorrow.

Flowing beneath the surface

In streams of blood thicker than water,

Carrying the scent of something between

Body and soul.

Why are my roots here?

They follow me wherever I go,

Reminding me to remind others

Of whom I am,

And what paths lie ahead.

My roots are an explanation. 

The quiet clarity of life’s meaning.

And yet I am often lost,

Convincing myself that I know the way.

I tell myself I understand

How long, when, and why

I will arrive.

The future has never been certain,

But my roots,

They seem to know.

They whisper through my veins,

Beating slow, then fast.

Reminding me that I must know,

Until I, too, believe it

And make it real.

Where do my roots lie,

That they may know

What lies ahead of me?  

Poem Description 

This poem reflects on identity, belonging, and self-discovery. It explores how our “roots”- our ancestry, upbringing, and personal history – shape who we are and how we move forward. Even when we feel uncertain about the future, these roots carry memory, strength, and guidance. The poem reminds readers that it is human to feel lost, yet still to rise each day and continue growing through what we come from.