Where I'm From

I am from homework,
from Turnitin.com and German workbooks.


I am from the creek in my backyard.
(Pure, babbling, it feels like ice water on a summer day.)

I am from the blackberry bush,
the Cottonwood tree who makes my yard look like a fresh dusting of snow just fell.

I'm from birthday marches and cookouts,
from Uncle Moose and Baba.

I'm from the Go Indians!
and dog lovers.


From the not now and timeout.

I'm from the dreadful Wednesday night PSR that allowed for First Communion and Confirmation.


I'm from Strongsville and Poland, pierogies and chicken paperkash.


From the teeth my grandma kept in a cup on the counter to the sporting events my grandpa always came to.

In my dining room are shelves fulled with photo albums,

used to retell the story of my life;

I am from those days -
with my family and friends -
cherishing every moment.