I am from pine needles,
from frog catching, and exploring.
I am from the creek rising up to by back porch,
the eye of hurricanes just missing us.
I am from hummingbirds,
the cardinals
whose chirp I remember
as I wake up in the morning.

I am from scorching car seats and swimming
at the neighborhood pool.
I am from the drivers refusing to use blinkers
and the smarty pants, walking dictionaries.
from “you won’t know if you don’t try.”
I am from He who gives me hope
and faith to grow, a superior person.

I am from Anne Catherine’s adventures,
my blue scooter and trampolines.
I am from my lighthearted Grandpa,
the absence of my traveling father.
I am from the endowments
when I leave my sister alone.
I am from riding my purple bike
on a sunny, snowless Christmas.
I am from two supportive parents,
three daredevils as sisters.
I am from “being a liar only hurts you,”
from not being left behind--
the last born--
and loving where I’m from.