I am from Bangle, the tiger
Believing he’d come alive and
Scare away my bad dreams.

I am from listening quietly
To chirping crickets on a starry
Summer night.

I am from being a military brat,
Climbing trees and scraping knees.

I am from musty, old basements
And farm chores at six in the morning

I am from a messy bedroom
And horse camp.

I am from candy corn, m+m’s,
And my grandmother’s funeral.

I am from exploring new houses,
Quickly running around
And playing hide and seek

I am from Christmas in Florida
And steaming strawberry rhubarb pie.

I am from my dad singing “My Maria”
To me as we cuddle on the couch.