I am from pink bear

From french bread and Jacob’s sausage 

I am from the green couch 

Comfy, warm 

It felt like home 

I am from the sunflowers,

The Crape Myrtle trees 

Who endlessly drop trees 

I’m from the midnight mass and curly hair 

From Arnold and Geraldine and Hollie 

I’m from the family who is always late and

 naps after good meals 

“Yo Adrienne” 

“You pa-do” 

I’m from prays before bed, 

Sunday night mass

I’m from LaPlace, Louisiana,

Lima beans and shrimp. 

From the wrecks that took place in our driveway that has caused mom to come home 

The aunt whose hands we endlessly run from.

In the front room 

Young, happy baby books tucked away in the cabinet 

I am from South Louisiana, where cajun livin’ and creole creations began.