I am

I am me
there can be no other
exactly like me in every way
nor an exact mirror image
in spite of those who would philosophize

I am me
there can be no other
where every ion every pulse everyday
can form a copy or even a mirage
with all the variations it could not be otherwise

I am me
there can be no other
who might come close to say
they act the way I eat and work and age
because what they see in me they idolize

I am me
there can be no other
among the trillion trillions since an ancient day
in Africa a place called Olduvai - a gorge
where in one leap our humanness did rise

I am me
there can be no other
what proceeds can or will or may
make me sick happy fear or rage
by my own self I lose or win the prize

I am me
there can be no other
like the progeny I leave in my way
they who share my heritage
have wit to think act and tantalize

I am me
there can be no other
destiny proclaims humanity in our DNA
sons and daughters in the future will engage
accumulated experience and go on to theorize

Naomi Sherer