Where I’m From
I am from Market Pantry bottled water,
from Axe deodorant and Cheerios.
I am from the ordinary house on the block crowded with trees.
Simple, traditional
It sounded like blue jays humming in the summer sun.
I am from the hydrangeas in west Hampton,
The forsythias in my yard
bright, yellow, full of life.
I’m from the Christmas decorations and blue eyes,
From Meg and Jeff
and Bud.
I’m from dark humor and
apologizing too much.
 
I am from “treat others as you would want to be treated and
“don’t take little things for granted.”
I’m from lying to grandpa about going to church to
messing up at Passover Seder.
 
I am from Manhattan, New York,
brisket and soup,
From the bar where my parents met
the long walks to work in Ireland.
 
I am from pictures crammed in a small shoe box, telling stories of unknown faces
I am from a family history spanning generations, a large mural, and I’m the newest piece added.