I came from a slow-paced town where the winds didn’t change.

From overlooking the boats swaying,

to diving into the lake next to our yellow house.

I came from a place where those around me speeding down the streets on beaten down Jeeps.

Children remained outside until the sky grew grim,

yet my time in this town remains a blur.

I came from a house with children unable to run.

For two children with low attention-deficits, moving carefully remained impossible to grasp.

Boredom may explain the roughhousing we pursued.

I came from a family filled with highs and lows; A rollercoaster perhaps.

As years passed, I learned to protect my little brother.

For it became clear that I had to console him, when adults grew belligerent.

I came from a community where I felt out of place.

Stepping into a classroom terrified me;

for seeing other children I did not know, triggered panic.

From sweaty palms to a racing heart, anxiety became a normality.

However most importantly, I came from a place of growth.

For better or for worse, I always ended up ‘being the bigger person.’

Whether fear of confrontation, or wanting to resolve problems takes the blame,;

I acquired these positive traits nonetheless.

Every  (seemingly)  treacherous experience I endured in childhood,

has shaped me for dealing with the boulders life throws today.