I am from...

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.