I started with no arms or legs Yet I still learned how to swim. I thought life was just fine that way And then I grew some fins.

I then would learn to bounce around At each and every whim, From lily pad to lily pad I was happy, yep..and then…

I caught flies with my tongue And I grew quite long And of course, my waist was trim The ladies seemed to notice And my soulful song was “in.”

I found with every passing day Once hopping had begun That life would soon require more work Once part of a family, I’d become.

Yes, it’s not easy being green, But I tell you it’s not my color It’s the choices that I made addressing them with fervor.

For you see it matters not as much What lily pad you’re from But where life led you on the way To the one that you’ve become.

So follow along the paths I've hopped And played life’s little game, From lily pad to lily pad having fun along the way.

Don't take yourself so seriously I didn't pick my name I didn't pick my parents either, but I love them all the same.

My neighborhood's not classy I didn't come from wealth, but my parents loved me best they could and kept me in good health.

I am the color of my birth this is the way God made me no choice of nationality or what accent I would speak with.

They say that life’s not easy Especially when you’re green, But I’ve decided personally To focus on one thing.

I’ve decided to be happy Even though the days are rough, Each day gives me one more chance To prove that I am tough.

For it is not just luck That gets me through each day But the love of the One who gave me life And loves me come what may.

The friends I thought would always be there may toss me to the side and even lie and say bad things to hurt me and my pride.

I say to those who look at me with murderous disdain, God gave me a certain freedom that allows me to love you anyway.

~Sidetracked Again, 2021