I am From

Originally composed
Sept. 9, 2005

I am From
(Based on George Ella Lyon’s I am From)

I am from a warm kitchen
On a cold Saturday.
From a wood-burning stove on Christmas.
I am from oatmeal in the mornings,
And Atari with my brother in the afternoon.

I am from the Old Barn
And rusty rim.
From the trees and the locusts that
Accompanied them.
George and Gary, trips on the tire swing,
Ray and the long field he mowed.

I am from Corn Creek and chicken fences,
From Aunt Esther and Uncle Jerry.
I am from Jack, Jason, Jared and the laughter
That always followed us around.

I am from Grandma’s noodles
And lasagna on Birthdays.
My dad’s pep talks.
My memories,
All kept in a cardboard box in my garage
And in my heart.