I’m from the corn field past my backyard.

From the maple tree watching over my house.

I’m from a gravel driveway, shared between neighbors.

From boxelders crawling up the window and wasps nesting in the garage during the summer.

I’m from monthly family reunions.

From family pictures scattered on the walls of my house.

I’m from sisters and brothers becoming mothers and fathers.

From toddlers running barefoot all day on the wooden floor like stampeding wildebeests.

I’m from me and my brother working at Steinhafels.

From my father telling us “five minutes early is on time, on time is late.”

I’m from a hardworking family, just trying to get by.

From the youngest in my family, the last chick to leave the nest.