I am from the TV buzz
from dish soap and candles.
I am from the white house
the comfort of knowing your loved.
I am from forsythias
the big evergreen
whose big limbs still stand
all I’ve ever known.

I’m from Christmas mass and advent
from Jacob and Hannah.
I’m from breakfast for dinner, and pasta with seasoning salt
and from saying grace before meals together.

I’m from go sit in the corner and don’t crack your knuckles
and sweet baby James.
I’m from thanksgiving dinner together.
I’m from Royal Oak and Ireland.
Pasta and mostaccioli
from the lion's cage
the feuding anger
harmonicas
in my mom's closet.