Where I'm From

I am from water, from broken glass, and fire inside. I am from terror made by darkness, but within light shines. I am from an old willow tree and a tightrope now broke. I am from a story told only once, and a river where the water still flows. I am from three necklaces passed to each friend. From three-hundred miles away but it feels like it is not even ten. I am from drowning when the air is hard to find. I am from the burning feeling of ash; from blisters and a difficult past. I am from old oak floors and the smell of cigarettes and chipped paint. I am from a bookcase where there is dust on every page. I am from the loud beat of a hummingbird and the bitter taste of cherries. I am from two who know how to protect; from a stem and a gorgeous black rose.