Where I’m From

I am from the blistering heat,

from towering trees and herbaceous breeze.

I am from homemade ice cream, chlorine, and sunburn,

from the mimosa tree and the tiger lily.

I am from thick foliage,

from leaves of red and orange.

I am from candy canes and bright light,

from cinnamon, pine, and gingerbread.

I am from late night conversations and inside jokes,

from acceptance and unconditional love.

I am from unfinished monopoly and betting with pretzels.

From “you go Glen Coco” and “that is so fetch.”

I am from tears of joy and bouts of laughter,

from losing track of time.

I am from coast to coast and places I’ve never been.

From Pemberly in Derbyshire, Wuthering Heights, and Satis House.

I am from Hogwarts and District 12,

from Baskervilles to Middle Earth.

I am from old oak pews and solemn hymnals,

from Old and New Testament and daily devotionals.

I am from unfailing love and a cup that overfloweth,

from the tree of life and streets of gold.

I am from these moments,

the moments of my past that shape my future,

the moments faded in time but never in soul.

I am from these moments, and I am from life.