I Am-Dorothea Speaks Poem by Lonnie Hicks

'I have crossed many roads, she said
but taken none.
My path has always been sideways
rather than straight.

So long has been my rebellion
that I remain the only one
who has never settled
and now I am a majority of one.

And I have my rewards for all this
but one that I miss
is not having a path about which reminisce
and this always makes me feel odd person out
at housewarmings and weddings

And there I reject the idea that I am the bridesmaid
no, I am the adventuress
the one who went to Africa
traveled to Europe on hope and fifteen cents;
made friends the world over
taught several generations of kids
but never had any of my own.
Never had a man propose.

And I am not alone
nor am I lonely;
I am.