WHERE I’M FROM

I am from four-wheelers, from home cooked meals and dirt in the garden.

I am from the cold creek beside the house, rock slick under my feet.

I am from the woods, the squirrels that you hear running through the leaves and the deer playing in the fields.

I am from the sarcasm of Aunt Lisa and the laughter among cousins Bradley and Austin.

I am from putting up Christmas lights a day after Thanksgiving and waking up at 5:00 to open presents on Christmas morning.

From “don’t go out without your coat”, to “put your shoes on.”

I am from family, religion, and love.

I am from Straight Creek and Coldiron Branch, fresh blackberries and watermelon from the vine.

From the elders telling old memories, the children listening, and the lessons taught.

I am from the laughter shared and the giggles that spread through the house from the room in the back.

I am from the mountains, my feet black and covered with dirt. My hand, holding that prized crawdad that was under the moss-covered rock.

I am from the strong-willed parents that keep me in line, to the family who love me for me.