Where I'M From

“Where I’m From” I am from pliers from Tylenol and vanilla bean perfume. I am from the budding rose bush, the aloe vera plant whose salve heals my burns. I am from the tee-ball bat in the garage the ballet bar in the studio. I am from princess pajamas and my favorite stuffed animal from sandy beaches and mountain views. I’m from lessons learned and the hard way, from spankings and timeouts in my bedroom. I’m from wood flooring and hazel eyes and southern cooking grandmothers. I’m from the brewing of sweet tea and the individual stitches on quilts. From the “no no’s” and the land flowing with “milk and honey.” I’m from early Sunday mornings, in a polk-a-dot dress and black patent shoes. I’m from the foothills, green beans and heavily buttered cornbread. From the crown and sash of Miss Catawba Valley the receding hairline of my father. They are on the top shelf in my closet a box of baby pictures and birthday cards. It holds my memories, so that I may never forget Where I’m from.