I am from…

The swings on our play set beckoning me to play.
The creaks haunting my memory like a summer song,
Eek, erk, eep.
 
Scars on my knees.
A permanent reminder of riding my bike in the boat launch.
The smell of antiseptic as it cleans a red divot in my skin,
Salty, cold, slimy.

Sage words of my mother;
“One day you and your sister will be the best of friends.”
“If you try your best, that’s the best you can do,”
Soft, sweet, simple.

The smile brought on by pepperoni pizza and a pout for shrimp.
Hot cheese and sauces topped with round slices of meat.
The gagging on the texture of the soft crustacean,
Slippery, ridged, mushy.

Parakeet feathers flying into the living room.
Fan like wings free in the air. 
Three singing the sweet song of life,
Relaxing, warm, cheerful.

The love of my family.
One mother, father, and sister.
Having little Fighting, lots of Laughing, and plenty of Respect,
Warm, comforting, happy.

… and even if where I go changes, there will always be the place where I came.