Wednesday, January 07, 2015

Where I am From

So I am taking a writing course and this was the first assignment and I am posting it here. :)

I am from the big grey house on the corner
on the edge of small town life where a purple banana seat bike means freedom to rule the streets and roam the stores
or, to be specific, roam the
candy aisle at the grocery store, the library and the local hardware store

I am from a green-painted concrete basement, perfect for roller-skating
            playing restaurant or teacher or hiding under the stairs.
From climbing white birch trees and looking for secret hideouts
            to hold exclusive clubs in
And knocking on doors asking elderly neighbors for candy in exchange for a visit.

I am from read along tapes and records, spinning out Music Machine and Psalty
and old hymns sung a capella at church and Sunday school
Music humming from the baby grand in the tan living room
            Dad pounding the keys, making up songs about us or singing Hey Baby
Or sometimes at bedtime singing us to sleep from the hallway

I am from “What is the most important decision you will ever make?”
            and “Be There”
From a strong heritage of faith passed down and passed down and passed down
            in our small town, farming community where
Grandpa and Grandma, spinster great Aunts, cousins, aunts, uncles are close

I am from a childhood filled 
with people I love

            lots of love 
and light.


*The original Where I’m From poem is by George Ella Lyon.