The Sum Total

I used to think that Russian dolls were clever
all nested up inside each other
until you reach the solid core
not more than two inches high

Now, I feel differently
inside me the sixteen year old
terrified of nothing and afraid of everything
The twenty-one year old headed off to another coast
the twenty five year old restaurant manager
the thrity one year old bride
the thirty six year old divorce'
the ...layers

layers swallowed up layers
each with its own unique emotionality, identity and challenges

I recently suspected that I am typical
that all people are these unique and distinctive identities
layered upon layers
and then I realized, only the broken ones...