Whose am I?

Whose am I?

Birth/Brith by Harold M. Schulweis

Not "Who am I"
but "Whose am I".
In belonging lies the secret identity.

Who belongs to me,
To whom do I belong?
Who accepts me
Whom do I accept?
Who has claims upon me
Upon whom do I lay claim?

Who knows my failings?
Who knows the meanings
of my angers and ambitions, my fears,
My cries for love sometimes hidden past recognition?

Whose am I?
True, the umbilical cord must be torn,
Incestuous ties severed.
Untied, I seek renewed connection
Beyond the womb

Who am I?
Whose am I?
My name, my people, my God.

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