I am from the neighborhood park,
From the sand in every pocket and all the screaming kids.
Feeling the cold wind
Rush through the jacket I was forced to wear.
I am from the 6am cartoons,
Forcing my dad to get out of bed
Anxiously waiting for a trip downstairs.
I am from -30 degree winters,
Bundled up with a red nose.
Walking to the school bus all alone,
Making fresh footprints in the powder that appeared the night before.
I am from homemade meals every Sunday,
From all the love my mom had in her body.
I am from babysitters and being alone,
Seeing my dad only a few times a month till I was 10.
I am from staying late at school every day,
And 5:30 car rides home with my mom after a long day at work.
I am from a family of food,
Where we show our love by making something.
I am from music in the kitchen,
And bumping into each other while dancing.
I am from Grandma’s house,
The wedding dress and the strudels for dinner.
My grandpa never knowing how to stay serious,
And my cousins never knowing how to sit still.
I am from a place where you can sit on the swing outside.
And just listen to the cougar that grandpa tamed,
Walking through the woods at the bottom of the hill.
I am from a family where everyone is welcome,
We hug each other with open arms.
And love each other to the moon and back.