To my spine

To those who just happen to find

To all whom I have ever been entwined

I love you.

Even if our love has gone askew

Even if you are someone I never knew

Thank you.

For strength, support, smiles, and laughter

I will admire any manners, door holders, road rage, and insults from here on after

Over the years,

I may have shed some tears, 

but because of every one of you

I have overcome my fears.

Solid as bone and strong as rock

We no longer write our lessons in sidewalk chalk