My Inner Coot

some people say

we need to find our inner child

I don't disagree

I need that inner child

that part of me

that can dance in the snow

sing in the rain

splash in the mud puddle

but who i am

is made up of all the persons I have

been 

throughout the years

the geeky grade school boy

with knobby knees

and a crew cut

ears peeking out 

grandly from behind dark rimmed glasses

the shy high school boy

who often in pictures
is never really looking up

and whose

body is framed by a brace

the college kid

trying to figure out 

who he is

and what he wants to become

eager intense young minister

battered young minister

seeking his way

 tired administrator
trying to figure out "what next"

and on it goes

I am the totality of my parts

none can be denied

and all must be appreciated and nurtured

for all of these

are me

what I was

what I am

what I am becoming

I am now trying to nurture

my inner coot