I’m from Tenny Avenue
a house that’s not a home.
From half of my heart.
From moments transformed into memories.

I’m from heart-shaped pizzas and make believe
Plastic food and a costume chest
Patty’s pool and neighborly parades to school

I’m from the Janitor and the Kettle
“There’s no crying at Grandpa’s house”
Ameture dances--come to our show

I’m from hair cuts on a dining room chair
“Good artists always sign their work”
Put a penny in, take an M&M out

I’m from Bridget and family friends that aren’t so friendly
Siblings can be friends, but sometimes you have to branch out
Just like the nuts that made my hands black, they aren’t welcome here

I’m from quotes in a floral journal
Holes in the wall, from stairway adventures
Green little peas, poppers, and pine needles

I’m from Denny’s menus and snow-laden hills
Watching fireworks from the wicker chair
Wishing the trees weren’t nature's skyscrapers

I’m from dreaded Sunday afternoons
When he doesn’t have work
Shaking upstairs, feeling like it’s my fault

I’m from simple explanations
I mean, I’ve had a scar down my chest since day eight
Kindergartners learn shapes, not medical terminology

I’m from Tenny Avenue
but my friends are my home.
From a heart that isn’t whole.
From memories that were just fleeting moments.