Where I'm From

I am from the sweet side 

of the state of peaches, 

from sugar and fruit.

I am from the fruit

pantry in God’s home, 

Joyful and happy.

It felt like unpacking unreachable stars.

I am from the sunflower seeds

layered beneath God’s porch, the

sun rays beaming from the shining sun.

As gray as the nightly moon.

I’m from the Christmas trees in November, and a

quiet but loud family, from Crystal and Ronald and Rose. 

I’m from the prayer before school, and

the daily talk at the dinner table.

From sticks and stones may break my bones, 

and good hearts always lose.

I’m from the cross at the church, 

the wondrous walkway down the church aisles. 

I’m from the south of the peach state,

hot water cornbread and bologna cups.

From the horrendous hurricane in my hometown 

that took the life of my father’s brother,

and the tragic death of my aunt. 

I am Ronald Odom,

offspring of the sugary sunflower seeds

planted under God’s porch.