Where I'm From

I am from the journals I wrote in almost every night.

From Korn Kurls and Coppertone.

I am from the twenty-two different homes I've lived in,

including the house at the end of the road with the line of Spruce trees in front—

the warm home painted blue with red doors and red brick.

I am from the tree I sat and read books in as a child, looking out over the wetlands behind,

and from the giant red oak tree in my backyard, begging to hold a treehouse for my kids.

I’m from pumpkin patches, Christmas trees and carols, laughter, movies, and games.

From Stuebes, Simantels, Dad’s adoption, and marriage.

From wagging black labs and a golden retriever, and cats that curl up on my lap.

I’m from the exploring of new places and sitting in coffee shops, chatting about life’s mysteries.

I am from “serve one another in love” and “love your neighbor as yourself.”

I'm from Christianity, from a Lutheran Reverend to Charismatic Revival and the in-between.

I’m from Forest Grove, Oregon, and a birth center that no longer exists.

I’m from Hillsboro and saying “Hi” to Harvey, the perpetually-waving rabbit-man;

from rejoicing in the reunion of the A&W family by the pool;

and from watching the carving of the Indian Chief who stands decaying in the park, soon to be brought down.

I am from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Germany— from lines on my Ancestry.com family tree.

I’m from Veracruz, Mexico— from tacos al pastor, music on decorated buses, whitewashed palm trees, morning downpours, and heat, heat, heat.

I’m from German pancakes, pizza, and ice-cream.

From camping trips, forest hikes, the Oregon Coast— places like Haystack Rock, Hug Point, the Octopus Tree, the Oceanside tunnel, and new discoveries, like University Falls.

I’m from the time I was left at Burger King— and a Kids’ Meal and crown were bestowed upon me, I was shown to the "government's quarters," and employees served as my companions-in-waiting.

From talks on road trips while children sleep.

From the separation and closeness of family.

From shouts, inside jokes, and movie quotes.

I am from photo albums on the shelf full of memories

and the digital images stored in a cloud,

preserving for future generations—new growth on the old trees—

some of the best moments of our lives.

Based on the following template and original poem by George Ella Lyon found at: http://www.sausd.us/cms/lib5/CA01000471/Centricity/Domain/3043/I%20Am%20From%20Poem.pdf