Where I'm From

I am from…

I am from two dogs in the window

Awaiting my return and the big comfy chair

Where we all find refuge, from the towering ponderosas

And the lounge chair facing the sun.

I am from the scent of garlic in the air,

From dinner simmering in the crock pot.

I am from bright orange poppies and deep red lilies,

From the pines in the forest and the hooting of owls.

I am from the young maple tree not quite as tall as the house

whose limbs will someday support the weight of grandchildren.

I’m from a broken home rebuilt as two, from Christmas Eve at one

And Christmas Day at the other.  I’m from booming family dinners

And quiet conversations, from cherishing just being together.

I’m from “sweet pea,” “precious” and “little Maxi,”

From sticky fingers and stomping red boots.

I’m from family dinners on Sunday of pot roast, gravy and mashed potatoes.

I’m from the Great Falls of the Missouri,

From the windmills of Holland, from a little town in Germany,

And the castles of England, Scotland and Ireland. 

I am from memories, stored in photos

 Buried like treasure

 In boxes, in albums, under the bed, under the dresser,

Decorating the walls and fridge,

Tattooed forever on my heart.

With thanks to George Ella Lyon