Read by Ebony Stewart
I am from family
from Kate, Brian, Wesley, and Sam
I am from friends
who make me feel better
when I’m down
I am from hairpins and braids
And tall pecan trees
that I hug
like they’ll make everything perfect
I am from salad and dressing
from swimming pools and lemonade stands
I am from scissors and glue sticks
mistakes and triumphs
from “Go away” and “Quiet down”
I’m from overripe apples
that I used to give to my dog
until I learned they weren’t good for her
I’m from ice cream shops
that are sweet when it’s hot
I’m from soccer and kickball
running around the field from my dad
then my brother doing it too
In a room there is a drawer
full of old photographs and jewelry
that I look at as I wish
that my great-grandparents were still alive
I am from the love of my family
Who surround me.