I’m from the snowy winter nights,

from sipping the hot creamy cocoa by the fire as another wood logged is placed.

I’m from the dream of snow days,

from learning to skate at Malone park with my father wearing four layers as I grab onto his hand.

I’m from the icey fast pace moving game of hockey,

from  “You get out what you put in.”

I’m from the brisk spring dawn,

from the foggy school mornings waiting for the bus and smelling the blooming daffodils.

I’m from jumping and splashing in the puddles that gathers on West Marietta Drive,

from hearing the rain patter on the roof and ducking under the covers to ease my fear.

I’m from planting and gardening fresh tomatoes with my mother on rainy spring days,

from waking up to the sun glistening through the mist and making my room aglow.

I’m from the humid summer days,

from the sun beating down and wearing my Hot Wheels sunglasses as I gaze up into the sky,

I’m from escaping the heat with my mothers freshly made lemonade,

from the warm summer night Harley rides to Lee’s Ice Cream with my father.

I’m from sliding down the slip n slide and spraying the squirt guns at one another,

from the rooftops nights watching the 4th of July fireworks with a root beer float in my hands.

I’m from the colorful Wisconsin fall,

from looking up at the trees and reflecting how I’ve changed thru the year, like these leaves have.

I’m from the long drives up north to the cottage, smelling the abundance of nature and beauty,

from raking the leaf piles and jumping into them when no one's looking.

I’m from the Halloween nights dressing up as Bob the Builder or even a hockey player,

from falling asleep on the couch watching the Packers beat up on the Bears.

I’m from the snowy winter nights of skating at Malone park,

from the puddles on West Marietta Drive that accompany me as I wait for the school bus.

I’m from the hot summer nights at Lee’s Ice Cream enjoying every second,

from the Halloween nights and the taste of carmel apples after dinner.

I’ from my past self, as through life I change and grow like the seasons.