Where I’m From

I’m from water balloons in the summer and snowballs in the winter,

From running in the wet grass that smells like rain

And filling up notebooks with scribbles and life.

I’m from bedtime stories and goodnight kisses,

Scraped knees on the playground, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

I come from the wings, the velvety red curtains,

And the flying stage dust illuminated by the yellow spotlight.

I come from pizza and popcorn and giggles,

And the strums of the ukulele,

And walking my dog to the park under the blazing hot sun.

I am from the fat robin that sits on the pink-blooming dogwood tree.

From breathing in the smell of old books

And the back pew in a small church.

I’m from backyard barbecues with sweet tea and cake,

And wonder of who I am and what I will be.

I’m from the alto section in a sea of voices,

And backyard basketball in the chill of autumn.

I’m from straight A’s and perfection,

Spelling bee trophies,

Academic honors all around.

I’m also from loneliness,

Grief and sadness too.

I’m from wiping the tears so that nobody can see,

Hiding my imperfect insides from the world,

Pretending to be the perfect that everyone thinks I am.

I come from my friends,

My family,

My life, 

My world.

So where are you from?