I am from dance,

From tutus and ballet shoes.

I am from the clay, brick house on the end of the street

(Rustic, inviting

It tasted like jambalaya.)

I am from the white magnolias,

The big oak tree that provides shade to my backyard

And whose leaves fall everywhere.

I’m from the nutcrackers and freckles,

From Clarence and Albertine and Emma-Gene

I’m from the get-it-dones and the helping others,

From Dry it up! and Don’t say that or I will put soap in your mouth!

I’m from Hallelujah

“Well your faith was strong but you needed proof”

I’m from Plaquemines Parish and Kimble’s Branch,

Oysters and seafood gumbo

From the glass Coca-Cola bottle that went into my great-grandfather’s eye,

The non-growing bones of my brother’s feet

Inside a plastic bin in the hall closet

Lies the wonderful and happy memories of my family

I am from a crazy family that when we are together,

You never know what will happen.