Where I'm From - Poem (draft)

I am from the Maple trees whose leaves shade my front yard, and the sidewalk that leads to my porch,
from sloppy wet kisses, floppy black ears, and the paw prints that stand by my bed every morning to greet me into a new day

I am from the top of Homewood at the edge of Buffalo creek, in the house with brown siding and burgundy shutters,
from Wranglers and Remington's, and the smell of mom's homemade pepperoni rolls in the oven

I am from a worn in glove, and endless nights of pitching to my favorite catcher, dad.
from daisies and Easter lilies down over the hill, and the comfort of the matted fabric of my old stuffed animal, Sam

I am from watching my dad and little brother catch Native Brook trout in the secret streams of Tucker county, and the camp fire that warmed my sister and I as we sat on a rock and ate s'mores

I'm from the ripples of the Cheat river that washed me in the blood, and the versus to Amazing Grace that remind me who lives in my heart and gives me strength everyday.

I am from the sound of a Taylor guitar, and the harmony of my family's voices singing together around the Christmas tree,
from my grandma's words quoting, "She wiggles and giggles and walks with a twist," from the poem she wrote for me

I'm from the eyes of an angle who watches me from heaven; my pap Bernie who loved football and his five kids,
from "Aim small, miss small!" and "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."

I am from the heart of Poland and the determination of Cherokee Indians, from Metz, Latocha, and Wildman

I'm from parents who taught me what love and happiness looks like, and the hope of a bright future.

I am from all these moments that collect through my life and grow into my memories

My grandma and I at graduation

 

 

                                                       Headed to our camp in Tucker County

                                                       my brother's Native Brook trout