I am from stuffed animals

from Nintendo and Disney.

I am from the swamp that surrounded my neighborhood.

(Hot, humid, it always felt so rainy.)

I am from the hanging moss,

the giant oak tree

that towers over me,

standing proud in the front yard.

I'm from the cartrips to Disney and shortness galore,

from Stacey and Kevin.

I'm from the math-driven parents

and the same-age siblings.

From "You're such a smart-aleck!" and "You're such a sweet sister!"

I'm from thirty painted crosses

made by second grade hands.

I'm from Destrehan and Wales

grilled steak and frozen breakfast.

From the books and frozen yogurt Grandad treated the cousins to,

to the unparalleled optimisim of my Grandmother, Gigi.

Above my sister's closet,

thousands upon thousands

of family photos,

some from before

and some from after I was born.

I am from those moments ---

stopped short vertically,

but always reaching higher to acheive my dreams.