I am from chalked up climbing shoes
From pens and sneakers
I am from the chipping game cabinet that is exhausted from use
I am from the invasive red prickly bush
The towering evergreen tree whose long gone limbs I remember as if they were my own.
I’m from hannukahs and christmases
From Jack and from Jill
I’m from wannabe mothers and repetitive dad jokes and
From saying i love you every night
I’m from take a chill pill and **** it up cupcake
And every little thing is gonna be alright
I’m from long walks in the mountains
And Westchester county
I’m from Ashkenazi jews
And smoked meat and boca burgers
From the tendon my father snapped with an axe
And the wheat my sister coughed up
I’m from talking and good humor
From unconditional love and support

On my shelf is a box brimming with letters
Of the memories I hold closest
To my heart
My conscience
And my happiness