I am from old chairs
From dusty tables and deer mounts
I am from the tan house on the hill
Warm
I am from the beans
The honey locust
Whose limbs I remember
As if they were my own.

I’m from cooking out and athleticism
From grandmothers and grandfathers
I’m from hunting and fishing
And from athletics.

I’m from “eat all your food” and “don’t touch that”
And “you don’t always get what you want”
I’m from Christmas get togethers
I’m from Iowa and Wales
Roast beef and scotcharoo’s
From dad’s swing
Broken bones
First deer
On the wall.