Where I Come From

I am from sweat and hard work,  

from the searing heat of summer

and the freezing chill of winter.

I am from the horse kicked dirt,

and the cattle-branded smoke blowing in the wind.  

From generations of ranchers,

corn fed and prairie raised.  

I am from the lights of fall Friday nights,  

and loud cheers at the ball game.  

From a fierce red and white Sailor pride,

and the crackling of a late night bon fire.  

I am Buffalo Bill country-

and long awaited rodeo celebrations.    

I am from the small town described in a country song,  

where no secret is safe with his owner and if you stay too long, you might be stuck.  

I am from the devout Catholic lands of Ireland and Italy, from church every Sunday to Communion and Confession.  

I am from my great grandmother's Native American heritage.

I am from a long line of military men that fought bravely for our country.  

...This is where I come from.