I am from the house nestled between nature and suburbia,
Long walks in forest, running through the rain
Drives into town, Mom blasting “The Replacements” and “ABBA”
I am from the mish-mashed balls of technicolor playdough left around the house
From the “Don’t stay up all night” and “Get up, you’re gonna be late!”

I am from the keys on the passed-down piano
And the broken sharp on the third C
From the metallic strings on the Fender
My Uncle who could play them effortlessly
And my Nani who would attempt to sing along

I am from the days at my Dad’s work
Wandering around the endless warehouse
From celebrating Oktoberfest and St. Patrick's Day
Fighting over Scrabble, yelling about King’s Corners
Hearing the crackles of the fire while I fall asleep on the couch

I am from the snow days
Asking my brother to dig up the beaten blue sled in the attic
Stealing marshmallows from my sister’s hot chocolate
From driving to Minnesota, teeth chattering while we drove through the icy air

I am from the house nestled between nature and suburbia
And all the people who are in it
I am from the Reiser family
And the memories I created with them