I am from my father's strength there to pick me up
and brush me off
each and every time I fall

which is quite a lot

I am from my mother's eyes
spun with originality
kindness
understanding
raw creativity
and artistic skill like no one I've ever seen

well except for her mother of course

I am from my sister's words
flowing from her head
to the tips of her fingers
through the ink
and on to the paper
always as effortlessly as breathing

I am from my brother's protection always my knight in shining armor chasing away the monsters in my head for the nights when I was young and everything was out to get me

I am from mattress surfing
down the stairs and almost breaking my nose against
the door
I am from stealing my mother's lipstick
and spreading it on my
face
pretending to be an Indian
for no reason other than I was a pretty weird kid

I am from words of wisdom spoken every Sunday from the pulpit

I am from my love and utter devotion to music
I am from my guitar
and the amp
used to electrify
everything that would otherwise
be quiet;
less
meaningful

I am from English teachers
and their never ending words of encouragements
I am from my aunt's hands
I am from Sarina's laughter
I am from Colleen's friendship
I am from Sara's voice
I am from Jac's love for adventure
I am from Christy's happiness
I am from Christin's love and devotion
I am from Alan's smile

I am from New Jersey, Texas and every state in-between

I am from my favorite
authors
poets
musicians
songs
and
books

I am from falling asleep on my couch and waking up in my bed

I am from Sunday night dinners "Pasta...again?"

I am from bed-time stories of Lucy the Raccoon
my father's paper route buddy
who I'm still not convinced was real

I am from "yes I made my bed"
I am from arguments and raised voices I am from slammed doors

I am from apologizes
"I love you's"
admitting when I am wrong

I am from everyone a product unfinished
imperfect
loved
I am from me
past, present, future
and everything in-between.