Influences

When I look at you,
What should I see?
A brother, a sister,
A student, a researcher?
Should I see the stories you tell
Or the ones you don't?
Can I see the days you spent
Coloring outside the lines,
The millions of smiles and hellos,
The tears, the anger, the fear?
Can I see your insecurity?
Can I see your pride?
Can I ever begin to see
The countless little influences
Which have created the masterpiece that you are?
Can I see where my part in you is?
Because maybe,
Just maybe,
I can see where I've left a mark on you
And you can see where you've left one on me
And we can both be proud
Of helping create a
Strong
Resilient
Kind
Generous
Beautiful soul.