I am from 53029, safest city in America, but still locking the car door.

From waking up in a distant, tin cottage far in the North woods.
From falling asleep with a book in my right hand and a flashlight in my left.

I am from watching Stargate with Dad and Home Improvement with Mom.
From stuffed animal battles with Sam… Buddy always won.
From swallowing a shiny silver rock and getting it back the other end

I am from simplicity
from never moving
from never traveling
from never fighting

I am from Saturday morning games
From singling out Dad in the stands, quiet, motionless with observing eyes.
From down by one in the bottom of the ninth and blowing it
From keeping my “chin up and shoulders back”

I am from “I’m not your friend anymore” but making up the next day
From school football at recess and being the captain
From picking the worst players first and losing
From “It’s not always about winning”