I am from slippers,
from diet coke and Chevy
I am from thin walls and hardwood floors,
from no privacy and one bathroom.
I am from the spider plant,
and the “roses”
which grew under a dim yellow light.
I am from the Sunday chicken and brown hair
from Quinn, Moose, and Reggy.
I am from paperback books
and constant surgeries.

I am from a Conservative, yet still, I’m Liberal.
I am from “Shutup!” and “It’s your fault.”
I am from crying on Christmas.
I am from sleeping in on Sundays,
from believing in aliens- not God.
I am from the Great Lakes,
and from “Da UP.”
I am from pizza and pipe smoke,
from the times he’s punched holes in the walls
and from the times when I could not wait until I could leave. (always)

Undeveloped film filled the shelf in the kitchen
Memories forgotten, dead forever.
I am from all the times
I have wanted to run away,
but was too scared.

*Inspired by the poem Where I’m From by George Ella Lyon