I’m from a branch preaching hard work and dedication,
priorities straightened,
perfection craved.

From a place despising negativity,
“complaining about it won’t change anything” and
the sound of my door slamming behind me.

I’m from an oozing cut between my fingers,
managing to stay tough without a single tear falling,
feeling like a warrior shot…

From gym to gym around the US,
chasing basketball,
cutting my summers in half.

I’m from a bass in my hands,
trespassing just to fish the “secret pond”
friendships built.

From being greeted by the dangling tongue of my dog,
tummy rubs heavenly,
my dog's saliva, coating my face like wet paint on a wall.

I’m from family dinners,
delicious homemade pizza and juicy sirloin steak,
“get off your phone while we’re eating”

From a tree house,
“The Man Cave” or “The House on a Tree”
late summer nights I will never forget.