Where I'm From

I am from rides in the back of an old Ford pickup truck down a bumpy dirt road

From Carousel rides on horses and unicorns

And the tears after being pricked by prickly thorns.

How I wish I could go back to that Ford that I rode.

I am from a sandy beach,-

From “bring your towel” and “don’t forget the sunscreen”.

I am from the boring lessons my kindergarten teachers tried to teach.

I am from the yellow, passed-down blanket

Worn out, and stained with bleach.

I am from the rusty green swing-set where all the children would gather.

The one my uncle built, who was more like a father.

I am from Saturdays in my living room watching my favorite cartoon

From playing outside from sunrise till’ we saw the moon.

I’m from the warm smell of coffee every morning,

From the sweet taste of cheesecake every Christmas

And the pineapple cake birthdays would bring

From the familiar fragrance of strawberries and citrus.

I am from walking in my mis-matching socks in my great grandma’s green kitchen floor

From the pink and purple teletubby under my pillow

And the vivid red of my neighbor’s front door.

I am all of this, and I hope to be so much more.