Poem.

I wrote this in class:

I am from slip-n-slides, garter snakes, and GI Joes. Sneaking Bike rides to 7-11 and hills for racing and sledding. Watermelon seed spitting contests and apple tree weddings.

I am from building blanket forts and cheating on Nintendo Track and Field. "Don't pull her hair" "But mom!" "Don't hit him" "But dad I wish I had a sister!"

I am from trips to Pennsylvania. The smell of cake, cookies, Sunday dinner, and Christmas trees. Grandma Rea in her apron filling the air with laughter. Slowly drifting into silence and confusion of the years.

I am from packing up the house, picking up the pieces. Numb from divorce and my two new houses. Spiders, fights, silent nights.

I am from growth, patience, and repaired relationships. New satisfaction from a friendship 17 years in the making with a brother that I now cannot live without.

I am from new family built through marriage and peace. New traditions started to pass along. In love with the next generation just started.

That is where I am from.