I am from a white, blue striped awning lake home,

from parties lasting days and nights, the beginning to end of summer,

from the kitchen island packed with cantaloupe, cookies, and curry pasta salad.

I am from a chaotic street surrounded by bars,

from hearing intoxicated rambunxious friends, laughing from the street—myself, not even phased, I adapted to the commotion.

I am from golden hour bike rides around Okauchee at sunset, the heat of the fireball sun blasting me in the face, from soulful talks about how life is changing so fast, while licking a twist cone from the Kiltie,

from filthy feet, being kicked around in the water at the boat launch, skipping rocks.

I am from insane, fully packed car, family road trips,

from laughing so hard that the sharp sounding shrieks damage your ears,

I am from a man and a woman, who aren’t living their best lives together,

from seperated parents, at a young age where I don’t even know who I am yet,

from confusion, sadness, numbness.

I am from, “home is wherever I am with you,”

from keeping out the negative energy—”good vibes in one ear, bad out the other.”

I am from struggles galore, trying to navigate around life,

from zero focus, crummy grades,

from tears and anxiety, fearful about my future.

I am from finding out who makes life complete and happy,

from learning, I only need one best friend to show me how incredible life is.

I am from a memorable home,

from a home packed with love,

from a white, blue striped awning lake home.