I Am From Love

I am from milk buckets, from Target and Peanuts Cartoons. I am from the ten-thousand beautiful lakes. I am from the lily-pads, the cat-tails, sitting atop the water. I am from late-night tv and small, poised feet, From Grandma Shirley and Papa Smiley, and Abuelita. I am from the loud booming laughter that echoes through the house And screaming at the television when the Vikings play. From “boys are caca” and “goodnight, my shining star.” I am from Church on Sundays… Well, for the first couple of years. I’m from kolache, pink cranberry fluff, and lutefisk. It tastes like it sounds. From the time we laughed at mom for falling for the spoons game, The frustration on her face, And the time we laughed once again as she talked in her sleep. I am from love. I am from this ring on my finger. Never removed. Mom's ring. Dad’s promise to love her. A small, simple jewel on a lined golden wing.