Identity Questioned

Who I am is not determined
by a place on a map
but a history documented
to create my own story.

Note: The poem was inspired by Sanaa Rizvi at Prompt Nights, “That which we seek; deep within will find – IDENTITY”

Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

26 Comments

  1. Whistles!! ?? This is absolutely incredible Khaya, your poem speaks volumes regarding one’s worth, stature and singularity. I think back to the time when it was not possible to identify a person, on the basis of his remains; and to the present time, when we can discover via means of a mere DNA sample. You, my friend have just managed to raise the bar with your words! Beautifully executed. Thank you so much for participating at Prompt Nights and for your constant love and support ??

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

  2. This made me think of our bodies as maps in a way..along with our thoughts of course..each bone holding a story..all joined together to form who we are – unique and individual..

  3. I completely agree. We are a collection of everything we’ve ever done, touched, endured, enjoyed, feared, loved… We are so much more than the labels the world insists in giving us.

  4. Ooow that is such a powerful image…and the brevity of your words acts to heighten it’s power…wonderful, brain slapping clarity XXX

  5. Identity is a simple yet complex subject of what makes the whole. It could be easy or difficult to articulate. And all thanks to you for thought-provoking prompts, they allow me to go deep into places I’d rather not go.♥

  6. “…to form who we are – unique and individual” well-said, Jae. This is what I was trying to say. Thank you for insightful comment.

  7. Our birthplace is just the start as year by year we build ourselves into the person we really are.

  8. It’s so cool to think of ourselves, not as a compiliation of fact and figures, but as a collection of stories. 🙂 Lovely, Khaya.

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