I am from the compact wooden box hidden in my closet, to my journal in the desk with all my thoughts

Old drawings and sketches, making a mess of my desk

Ancient stories and pictures scattered, not letting me forget

My ukulele and guitar, long out of tune

Staying up till two, writing a song or two

I’m from Wednesday night singing, with my friends for my church

Words never heard, long nights spent writing songs that will never be discerned.

From the tiny silver lamp, turned on when I write 

I am from track meets and volleyball games

Smelly knee pads that cover many bruises

Worn out shoes that ran many miles

The long winding roads and paths

To the spacious box, center court

Allie, Rachel, and Bella, always by my side

The little kids on Sunday glued to my hip like a puppy is glued to its owner

Rowena and Lauren, my Harry Potter dorks

McAlister and Rachel my crazy Disney geeks

Going to the beach over break with Allie

The soft white sand, swirling underneath my feet

From horror movies and popcorn to romance movies and ice cream.

I’m from deep late-night talks, filled with confessions

I’m from staying up alone and watching the sunrise

Sitting on the back deck, watching the sunset

I am from staying up and talking with the moon

Staring at the mirror on those long lonely nights

From crying all night, and writing all-day

I am from mistakes and bad days

Sad songs and teary eyes

From the quiet, my sadness, and the silence.

From anxiety, and pain, fear, and worry

Tired eyes and tired mind

Dark thoughts in my mind as the tears roll slowly down my cheeks

Small sad sighs 

But I am from smiles no matter how hard it gets

From the darkness, we need to see the stars shine

This is where I’m from.