I am Mary

born to a published writer who 
loved life, a communications pioneer
who enhanced relations between 
public school leaders and voters 
so that every school millage passed; 
and to a man, born in poverty, who
earned an MBA in accounting and 
a PhD in economics to fight
for racial, social and educational justice.
I am a daughter, wife, sister, friend
who lives alongside a lake 
that paints my heart in gladness while
it bleeds tears of sorrow.
I lift my pen in gratitude
and resolve.