I Am From

I am from which the phoenix rises, scattered in the blowing winds

I am from backing the wrong horse in the land of the roaring lion and the original golden eagle

I am from a tradition of Celtic warriors and famine

I am from red man and white man

I am from cotton and asparagus fields

I am from poverty, hardworking, salt of the earth, pig squeals and pit-smoked BBQ

I am from sunrise services, homecomings, and summer revivals

I am from corning mills, discipline and endurance, and mother

I am from red dirt roads, small town, “Bless his heart!”, and “yall come back!”

I am from drinking from water hoses, sweet tea and moonshine

I am from staying outside from sun up to sun down, maypops and home-made forts

I am from “Gentlemen, we can rebuild him, we have the technology…”, “It’s Charlie, Angel. Time to go to work.” and “I am the Knight Industries Three Thousand.”

I am from big hair, rat tails, leg warmers, reeboks, fanny packs, Calvin Klein jeans, Ray Bans, and Members Only jackets

I am from Escape to Another Day in Paradise, Call Me from 9 to 5, Who Can It Be Now to You Give Love A Bad Name, Red Red Wine when Love Bites, and I’ll Be There For You until 1999

I am from dreams of no factories and first to higher education

I am making a difference and awakening young minds