Where I'm From

I am from a sky blue house with green hedges out front,

from a bedroom with black and white wallpaper and a thin red bedspread.

I am from Leon and Linda,
from five brothers and two sisters

I am from Utah,

from lake water,
a sparkling blue boat rocking against the shore

I am from faith and family prayer,

from Sundays in dresses handed down from my sisters

and creamed tuna on toast.

I am from the back seat of the red station wagon
where I rode facing backward,

watching where we've just been,

from the cream-colored couch with blue piping

where my father told me I was smart.

I am from Saturday morning and a long list of chores,

from daydreams of walking on the ceiling.

I am from middle school drama
and high school disappointments,

from english class

and a boy who changed my life.

I am from my sister's red Honda and mix tapes
and always wishing I were older,

from Billy Joel's music blasting from the living room stereo,

my mother's distinct fingers and her thin wedding band,

from my father's hands, calloused, scrubbed clean from grease.

I am from worry about money,

and a habit of asking for too many things.

I am from bran muffins with peaches,
graham crackers and milk,
and pumpkin pie.

I am from all-night phone calls,

and gentle kisses.

I am from the stage,
the pen,
the keys of a computer.

I am from curly hair and thick ankles,

from stubborn,
loud,
giving
and wise.

I am from bedroom floors covered in clothes,

hidden birthday presents found with clues,

and fights with a little brother I never thought I'd love.

I am from lessons learned the hard way,

and a gift for looking on the bright side,

from all I was so sure of

and all the surprises that proved me wrong.

This was a writing exercise based on this poem by George Ella Lyon.  Try your own!