“Digging In” a poem
“Life is complex and dirty, but digging in is important to me,” she said.
“Maybe if more of us understood history, we could understand each other better.”
This mom, daughter, wife, and physician recently lost her father. “I’m learning how much I’m like him,” she said. “And it’s inspiring me to continue quietly fighting racial injustices, the same way he did.”
When we spoke, she shared how grateful she was to have the ability to reflect so deeply on her own life, and to be inspired and comforted by seeing so much of her father in herself. Her father’s legacy left a deep imprint and resulting commitment to be true to who she is, even amidst strong pressures to fit in. “I hope my kids will learn this someday, too…and come to know who they are.”
Certified Listener Poet Jenny Hegland
American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
January 2023
Digging In
Dad was an ornery man
Nothing ordinary about him
Youngest of seven children
Librarian, classical musician
Always drawing attention
Despite our best efforts
To blend and belong
Hummed to his own tune
An entire lifetime
Quietly fighting
When I think of the Queen
I think of my father
Only four when he was forced
To leave home, Pakistan, partition
Journey by foot
Camels and horses, alongside
Singing, bringing joy
Being who he was
An entire lifetime
Quietly fighting
Everyone wants to belong
Our struggles are not the same
Young Brown daughter from the hood
He was my first example
He was a fierce example
Always standing up, standing out
Shock to my system
His mannerisms within me
Inspiring, an entire lifetime
Quietly fighting
No pleasing for pleasing sake
Respect for all the ways
One can fight for what’s right
One can stand their ground
One can keep digging
Resist the makeshift mold
Depth, freedom, light
No need to be all of anything
Dig in
Know, be who you are
