I am from tomato plants and petunias
and drinking out of the hose
parakeets on the porch named after flowers
Lilac and Sweet William
I am from a chestnut tree I can still climb
with my eyes closed
in my child body
I am from the shadow of leaves on the pavement
and nightcrawlers caught for the bait box
I am from a two wheeler with a banana seat
riding to John Ball Zoo
running up the slide
feeding the ducks and skating on the pond
I am from the Sacred Heart of Jesus
who watched me from the wall near the drinking fountain
Faith, fear and uniforms
a rosary and a first communion dress
I am from the smell of bleach and coffee
ashtrays in the sink
beer cans and pop cans and deposit refunds
Strawberry Shortcake and Rainbow Brite
Jump Man and a Commodore 64
I am from the dance floor all to myself
chasing the light in circles and belting oldies
while mom cleaned the bar during the day
before dad opened it at night.
I am from holidays where everyone is talking and hugging
and eating and eating and eating
I am from the best cheesy potatoes
& kielbasa that melts in your mouth.
I am from stars coming out slowly
framed by Northern Michigan trees
shoes melting on the rocks around the firepit
acoustic guitar, and dad’s song.
