Where I'm From

I am from the month of the Leos and the Virgos

From where summer closes and fall opens.

I am from curry and chadobeni 

the rich spices that linger on your tongue long

after you have finished your meal.

I am from “make up your bed” and

“Put your dishes away”.

I am from long, tiresome nights spent pouring over my

school work and flash cards.

I am from a dance studio of pointed toes, arabesques, and 

picture perfect piques.

 I am from Fountain of Grace Church 

Where I religiously spend my Sundays. 

 I am from the steep, noisy steps that exposed my 

 not so swift disappearances from cleaning up my toys

 as a child.

I am from the pink tree that wilts in the winter and revives

in the Spring, from the chimes on the lampost 

That when the wind blows ring. 

I am from cookies and cream ice cream savored from Crescent Ridge

 and oatmeal raisin cookies gone before 

they even touched the table.

I am from a hardworking mother who strives to do

the best for her two kids day in and day out.

I am from a family of love, laughter, and unwavering compassion.

I am from the walls, shelves, and tables of my little grey house

packed tightly together with the family that raised me, 

Cherishes me and supports me. 

The people that I can count on for anything

Up, down, left, right, and in between. 

I am from them.