I am from a tool box

I am from pecan trees

From toys and technology.

I am from the dandelions.

The Ivy that eats trees

Whose thin body I remember

As if it were my own.

I’m from early Christmas gifts

And gifts on others birthdays.

From one little brother and one older sister.

I’m from keeping the weirdest things and

Treasuring the smallest ones,

And for loving people for their kindness and

Generosity.

I’m from the Easter bunny and the tooth fairy

And “I love you”s from here to heaven and back

Around the world one million times.

I am from delicious desserts on Independence day.

I’m from Texas and Italy

Spaghetti and cornbread.

From father leaving us for another family

And the pictures he was thankfully never in

Which played in the hallway and slept in the photobooks.

I am from a caring home to quickly leaving.

From many homes more broken than the last.

This hammer I’ve held will start to fix

Some broken panels inside.

For now I should say,

     I am from a tool box.