My "Where I'm From" Poem

I am from board games, from Golden Books and swimming pools.

I am from the sixth house on the right with the big rhodedendron bush and black shutters, exactly 7 minutes from town.

I am from the potato bugs, the vegetables straight from the garden into mom's famous vegetable soup.

I am from yearly trips to the ocean and smiling dimples, from Gardners and Paulys and our tenth governor George Atkinson.

I am from long laughs and humor.

From "Let's say grace" and the Golden Rule.

From a mother's unconditional love.

I am from the Church of Christ and the one room church on Frame Road.

I am from Germany and France, sweet potato casserole and bunny cakes.

From the time we found our lifelong friend and fifth family member at the shelter, and the ice storm that kept us inside without power for ten days when we made biscuits on the kerosene heater.

I am from an older sister's love and guidance, from long walks on the train tracks looking for fool's gold.

I am from a family that showed me no matter where life takes me, home will always be in my heart.