What Makes Us Human?

Human

What makes you human?

Is it your soul

Your spirit

A voice that's only your own

Maybe it's the air in your lungs

The thumping in your chest

The smells that bring back lost memories

Perhaps it's the chills you feel 

when a song touches you

The goosebumps that cover your arms 

when you drive pass a graveyard

The thoughts that keep you tossing in your bed

All night long 

Could it be the little rituals?

The tap on the airplane door

Before you board

The red x you draw on your calendar

When the day ends

The navy mug

You fill with mocha coffee everyday

Is your essence found in pictures

In dusty photo albums labeled by year

In journals holding 

your shame and doubts 

Is it your own belief that 

you matter

That it’s okay to 

take up space 

That it’s okay you left 

your keys in the car

That it is okay you 

Forgot to say

sorry or

Forgot to say 

goodnight

You are only human after all.

Maybe it is asking the question:

What makes me human?