Where I'm From

I am from the perfume,

from White Diamonds and Clinique Happy.

I am from the spices in the pantry.

(Earthy, flavorful it tasted like Spring).

I am from the buttercups,

those little bowls of sunshine brightening each day.

I am from the game nights and eyeglasses,

from Samuel and Kim.

I am from the musicians and chefs.

From "you are brilliant" and "I love you."

I am from open-mindedness and equality for all.

I am from Detroit, Memphis, Tallapoosa, and North Carolina,

Poppie's chili and Gran Gran's banana puddin'.

From the short, drunk Native American,

the adventures of Uncle Ronnie,

and the mysteries of my Granddaddy's family.

I am from the wall of fame pictures,

of long-lost relatives, and forgotten events and faces.

My window to the past.

I am from those moments,

frozen before I budded-leaf-fall from the family tree.