I am from pencils
From Kroger and oxygen
I am from the small cabin in the backwoods
Petite yet spacious
It smelled like freedom
I am from the calla lilies
The oak
Whose wide buff branches protect me from harm

I am from the architect and giants
From Lamonte and Schnadelbach
I am from the geniuses
And the tradition makers
From shut up and do your best
I am one with the Lord
With the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit


I am from Memphis and New Orleans
Jambalaya and beignets
From the war my grandfather fought in for his country
From the cars my relatives are notorious for crashing
On my bookcase
Between the photo albums full of memories
Lays a binder
Into which my grandfather has poured our history
These are the secrets which bind my family together
For better or worse, I am from them