I am From Hay Rack Rides

I am from hayrack rides. From wheat fields and lemonade. From Grandpa’s sweet corn and Grandma’s iced tea. I am from heavy orange coats and worn camo hats. I am from piano keys and old country songs, whose melodies play quietly through my mind. I am from red dirt and white chalk. From sweaty visors and scraped up knees. From worn out ball gloves and a cheek full of sunflower seeds that I could taste all day. I am from unemployment and cancer. From plastic cows and dinosaurs. From Dollar General Christmas gifts. From church pews and a cross around my neck. From babysitting and sticky fingers that wrap around my hand and continue to walk beside me. I am from blue ribbons and county fairs. From outdoor movies and indoor camping. From 10 point pitch and home made popcorn, while sitting on the back porch, watching the rain, and listening to the thunder. I am from Diet Coke and peanut brittle. From gooseberries and homemade jam. From dirty lakes and sunburned arms. From tire swings and summer sausage. I am from old dirt roads That wind into the distance Keeping my foot prints Showing where I’ve been And where I’m headed. I am from these moments; these lines on a timeline. dates on a calendar and names in my memories.