Where I'm From

Where I’m From

I am from the beach,

where sunlight makes the water shimmer and the sand sparkle like a thousand tiny jewels.

I am from smelling of sun block and salt all at once,

from hours spent in the surf with my sisters to building that perfect sandcastle,

my mouth stuck in a permanent smile, my face the picture of happiness.

I am from the dazzling sight of ocean stretched before me

water reaching out in endless possibility.

I am from the old porch swing,

from the summer sun warm and comforting on my skin.

I am from summer breezes that ruffle my hair and tickle my face,

from long drives through the back roads

my feet up on the dashboard singing along to my favorite songs.

I am from the scent of pine trees and fire,

from hours spent out on a dock, a fishing pole resting in my lap.

I am from where nature speaks in sweet melodies,

where birds fill the silence with their endless song

and the wind whispers in my ears like it’s carrying a secret I’ll never understand.

I am from the fireflies dancing and twinkling in the night sky,

from sitting around a campfire with my grandpa seeing who can find the North Star first.

From graham crackers and marshmallows,

my fingers sticky from the gooey treat.

I am from the color purple,

from my enormous collection of snow globes

each one unique with its own special tune.

I am from books,

the well-worn pages beneath my fingertips so familiar and welcoming

providing an opportunity to escape reality.

I am from ice cream and braces,

from Charles and Sherri.

I am from “Tag you’re it!” and “It wasn’t me!”

from “Want to play hairdresser?”

to having hair like a boy for a year.

I am from a loving family,

far from perfect but exactly what I need them to be.

I am from the decisions I have made both good and bad,

from all the mistakes, dreams, and hopes for the future.

I am from all the things that have helped shape who I am,

a story still being written.