Where I'm From

Where I’m from

I’m from piles of dirty laundry
from tide and spray and wash

I am from the stained carpet floors
dirty, off white, parents always complaining about

I am from the miniature spruce trees
the birch tree with white bark
pealed off from fall days watching my dad rake leaves

I am from Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa’s, and blonde hair
from Bush and Kubancik

I am from gossiping mothers
and fathers who think they are so funny

From because I said so
and do as I say not as I do

I am from Sunday morning mass
constantly being told not to lay down in the pew

I am from North Olmsted
buckeyes and panini sandwiches

From the foot that went limp from the shot of a loved one
to the toes my grandma protected to keep away the pain

A basement piled up with pictures of past vacations,
birthdays, and holidays, and boxes filled with childhood art projects

I am from Childhood memories
Which I will never forget
and traditions that will never be lost

with thanks to George Ella Lyon