I am from the sound of skidding knees on linoleum tiles,
from music blaring and the world spinning.
I am from taking one stair at a time,
from trying to fill a balloon with little lungs.

I am from report card filled with absences and tardies,
from the smells of antiseptic and the words,
“Take a deep breath for me.” and “Does it hurt when I push here?”
From missed field trips and Wendy Williams being the only thing on tv.
I am from bike tires parting woodchip seas,
from neighborhood adventures and ghost in the graveyard,
from bloody knees cleaned with gas station water bottles and handfuls of grass,
and from coming home before it was dark.

I am from unfamiliar people who would become as close as  family,
From car rides in the dark and laughter in each ear.
I am from efflorescent youth and strong bonds,
from priceless memories, and people I would give my life for.

I am from the dark,
from a pit with crumbling walls and a bedroom like a coffin.
I am from empty insides, depleted deserted and devoid of care.
from the same people I would give my life for separated behind a glass wall,
from weekly visits from the one person who could shatter that glass.

I am from heavy arms and mud stained fingers,
from the courage to climb.
I am from and will always be from the words,
“Do what you want to do.”
From putting myself first, but only when I need to.
I am from a deep voice saying,
“Do what you have to do.”
From the belief of keeping your feet moving in the right direction,
even when you fear you may crumble.

I am a conquistador of life,
and I am from  the words,
“You only get so many trips around the sun.”