Where I'm From

I am from campfires, from Tide and Diet Coke. I am from the chlorine smell from the backyard pool. I am from the lilac tree and the oak tree whose branch held my swing. I am from Friday pizza nights and blue eyes, from great grandpas and great great uncles. I am from sarcastic humor and never forgetting a funny story. From comfortably numb and I’ll love you forever. I am from the Lord’s prayer at every meal. I am from the Pacific Northwest and the hills of Dakota. From grandma’s apple squares to Gerber baby food. From the Sunday’s with grandpa eating chocolate stars, the maple syrup every spring, the raccoon in grandmas car. I am from the collage on the wall, showing young to old, the mahogany drawer and the tattered old box, protecting all that I know.