Written for Sheila Vann on her 50th Birthday
Rich in your soul is the history of strength, soiled
foundations that have seeded growth, distilled tears
and refused pain.
In your eyes is the genetics of sacrifice, the agriculture
of hope that has risen from the depths
of poverty’s rain –
and in your smile are the branches you have birthed,
each child tracing a family tree that extends
through a mother who stands by you, aunts and uncles who adore you,
through grandchildren who admire you
and many cousins who have inspired from
the same veins.
As you celebrate your life’s renewal, the roots of your name
have come together as one family –
from the southern freedoms of Georgia to the northern
heritage where ancestors rest –
from the hope of yesterday to the success
of today to the tomorrow’s dreams where only amazing awaits
we gather to appreciate your youth, to encourage your passion
and dance to the melody of your heart.
Today is gorgeous because today
you are the representation
of your many roots standing strong, breathing beautifully
and being you,
fifty years young, fifty years of blessing
the lives you adore.
Tarringo T. Vaughan
(c) 2013
