My Second Bio: What I Could Never Have Imagined Twenty Years Ago
Introduction to My Second Bio
Dr. Mehmet Yildiz urges writers to introduce themselves — in fact, to have “two slightly different versions”–one for About Me Stories, another for Illumination.
I did not set out to “write a poem.” I wrote what I heard in my head while pondering what else to say, or how to say it differently. Hadn’t I said it all in About Me?
Indeed, this might not qualify as “poetry.” I’ve not read much nor studied poetry per se. So — to borrow from Bill Clinton — I’m not sure what poetry is, just that it’s different from prose. It also feels deeper.
The Bio: Twenty Years Ago…
Through a series of serendipitous events, I became who I am now
A journalist and advice-giver who lives in multiple places; now, for a second time in Paris.
I could never have imagined this — nor so much else since then.
Twenty years ago, I was already writing books and articles
But I could never have imagined a best-seller about babies
I could never have imagined royalties that would keep me in groceries.
I could never have imagined finding my way after my divorce,
Not to the beach house, the only possession I cried about losing,
But to a rental on my beloved Fire Island, a home for my new “We.”
Twenty years ago, I could never have imagined becoming a snowbird.
I could never imagine that my partner would inherit an apartment
Or that every fall, I would long for and look forward to my “time” in Miami.
I could never have imagined living in a South Florida condominium
Amidst a thousand people, different cultures and classes — a community of Babble
I could never have imagined becoming “a director” and being hated for it
Twenty years ago, Lois died too young and Bogey was still young
I could never have imagined the pain of losing either of them.
Or that I’d ever let another dog (Rocky) into my now older and wiser heart.
Twenty years ago, I could never have imagined a grandson, now 18,
or his younger brothers, who are pushing 16 and 12.
I could never have imagined that one day we’d stay in touch mostly by “texting”
I could never have imagined instant photos that could be share instantly
Twenty years ago, no Twitter or YouTube or Facebook ads or TikTok
I could never have imagined blogging and living online as much as off.
Twenty years ago, the worst I imagined was Y2K
Not robots or artificial intelligence or trolls or spies.
I never have imagined how the miracle of technology would one day have its way with me.
I could never have imagined a president who’d disregard a deadly virus
Twenty years ago, I could never have imagined how divided and uncivil this country would become
I could never have imagined the threats I fear we’re powerless to stop.
Twenty years ago, I was still in my so-called prime — and now past it,
I discover the same me inside — but better, wiser, still having adventures
I could never have imagined feeling this blessed and grateful every day.
Final Thoughts
Twenty years ago I would never have imagined writing this kind of bio. It might be more of me than you bargained for!
