I am from a stuffed tiger and the Lion King
From football games to baseball games
I am from never wearing pajamas
From Mimi and Pop Pop to Nanny and Pop Pop
I am from Germany to Dorset Drive
From Christmas Eve and a big back yard
I am from having a pool and watching Sportscenter
From watching Sandlot and learning of baseball
I am from playing with friends and Mrs. Murtagh
From my hero and parents letting me play with a broken collarbone//

I am from Lunchables and pasta with family
From biting through my tongue and no one eating together
I am from the basement of a church and toys everywhere
From never wearing dress pants and St. Peter’s Hospital
I am from my bedroom and milk in my fridge
From a dead end and behind the plate
I am from over a fence and rounding the bases
From a hot summer day and jumping in a pool//

I am from winning games and taking first
From memories of all my teams
I am from sports books and Catcher With the Glass Arm
From loud cafeterias and eating in my guidance office
I am from Holland and my aunt’s house
From Connor McCarthy
Moving away to Florida.//

My favorite dog, Trouble, in the world
White, playful, and in the pool
After dying with no warning
And me full of sorrow and sadness
Never to live again//