Finding Me

I’m from toy cars and mismatched Barbie shoes. I’m from bike races down the one road where no unpadded limb was safe. I’m from a Sunday carpool and Tom Thumb slushies in Florala. I’m from the twang of Conway Twitty, the screams of Aerosmith and a hundred dances in between. I am a child, finding joy in excitement! I’m from dribbling chins and watermelon juice, “Goodnight, sissy”, Band-Aids and kissing boo-boos. I am a role model, finding strength in my fear. I’m from bonfires, tailgates, and kissing goodbye. Barbeque at Jay’s and Christmas at the Hill. I’m from standing on a milk crate to shoot pool and burning eyes in Walmart swimming pools. I’m from Easy’s growl and Smokey’s purr. I am passionate, finding love in freedom I’m from jumping on a trampoline in torrential rain and the smell of roses I’m from barefoot adventures, crawdad fishing, and “stay out of my pecan trees!” I’m from 3 am Life with Ethan and 2 pm short cuts to Kayla’s I am the hope I find in myself. I’m from rivers, I am from oceans. I am from pain and joy and tears of both, I’m from love and belief in the power of unity. I’m from toy cars and mismatched Barbie shoes.