I am from
The land controlled by monarchy
From gondolas in the city relaxed above the water's ripples
From bagpipes and plaid skirts
From diminuitive clans treasuring pots of golden coins

I am from
Wooden planks, vessel formed, that carried determined immigrants to the New World
From disease and struggle that limited opportunity
From children forgotten and assigned new names

I am from
The mountains that hide the shadows of the laboring, seldom paid
From the irony of home-grown food inadequate to ease hungry mouths
From gnarled hands and weakened knees aged from turning the soil

I am from
A layered tree, tall and still standing, brought to life with limbs and leaves. Each fallen leaf has joined the soil and given itself to the family tree.