I am from the many summers of catching butterflies by the creek.
From the early years of playing with my sister until she drove me insane.
I am from the egg drop soup and the smell of magic china as a special occasion dinner.
From the dolls and dress up parties when I was younger.
I am from the pond and the open field that seemed like home, and eventually turned into one.

I am from the all A’s and stress of getting a 70 for a daily grade.
I am from the mexican food nearly every night and the no meat policy.
From the endless amount of chores and the “Do the cat litter”.
I am from the joyous Christmas mornings and the sleepless New Years parties that never stop.
From the “Use good manners” and “Stop fighting with your sister”.
I am from the Texas state I love, even if I would rather live in Arkansas sometimes.

I am from the painful loss of my grandma by heart attack.
From the love of cats, no matter how mischievous they are.
I am from the dozens of dead fish still buried in the old backyard.
I am from the “big move” that took place five years ago.
I am from the aged house that I will never step foot in again because of the neighbors and their animal abuse.
I am from the building of a new house on the land I loved.

I am from the countless photo books and the pictures trapped in boxes waiting to be found.
They have traveled distances, some short and some small.
They hold memories like no other.
From family lost at sea to buying wives with coins.
I am just another leaf drowning in the huge family tree and memories that will last forever.