I am from a house on a hill,

from a yard with lush green grass.

I am from a porch and two red barns.

From tilling dirt in the vegetable garden

to helping my mom plant Marigolds.

I am from cows mooing

and playing with my loving Labrador Lucy.

I am from my mom's kitchen

sitting on the floor banging pots and pans.

I am from a wooden sandbox

playing with John Deere and Tonka trucks.

I am from watching Hey Arnold and Rocket Power

and eating crunchy Cheez-its on the couch.

I am from “relax don't worry about it”

from “don't drink too much soda or your teeth will fall out”

and from “Mom, you make a good lunch.”

I am from Dad calling me “little man”

to Mom calling me her peanut.

I am from Mom, the garber man is here”

and calling Sarah “Ra Ra.”

I am from snowboarding in the backyard,

and watching snowflakes glitter in sunshine.

I am from bobbers floating in white caps

and Friday Night Fish Frys.

I am from winning a coloring contest

and going to school in a fire truck.

I am from mud on tires

and teaching myself how to ride bikes.

I am from a house on a hill

to cutting the lawn.

I am from pictures hanging on the fridge
and watching the Ginkgo leaves drop.