a poem in my pocket

I am from…
the love of two mothers,
three sets of grandparents
(i thought everyone had)
and a father’s laughter.

I am from…
tease of best younger brother,
crossing line in car’s backseat,
okay, put on the boxing gloves
(always hit ’em below the neck)

I am from…
hamburger casseroles,
patio picnics with friends
popcorn, swedish pancakes,
home-canned jars of applesauce.

I am from…
summers of biking, hiking,
softball striking (you’re out)
driving past windmills, cornfields
anticipating visits with cousins.

I am from…
library books, music lessons,
arts & crafts; friday sleepovers
and saturday morning cartoons,
sunday school memory verses.

I am from…
games of monopoly and ping pong
yo-yos, troll dolls, four-square at recess
playing house or school with teddy bears
neighbor kids’ army in dad’s uniform hats.

I am from…
hurry up or you’ll miss the bus,
clean your plate, did you make your bed?
be nice to your brother (you’re older, they said)
finish your homework, say your prayers.

yep, that’s where i’m from!

Based on a poem by George Ella Lyon: http://www.georgeellalyon.com/where.html