Where I'm from

Where I’m from…

I am from Warren’s fields and Ridge Road’s woods

Where the stream is centered through

A boulder cave

A place for only myself and my shadow.

        I laughed there

In the face of fire

When ashen dreams blew in the wind

Above.

A robust voice.

A tickling sense of belonging,

A martyred sense of doom.

I am Here

Never left

Behind.

Nowhere to trade:

Afghan comforts on a crisp cocoa night.

Rhubarb sunshine and Mammie’s arms.

I am from both rain and snow,

From loss and hope,

Neither loving, neither wanting.

Either wanted.

I am gone,

Now,

As Here has changed

Though the wind still blows

 that whistle home.

It is not.