J

my own where I'm from

Where I'm from 
I'm from Christ hospital and Raggedy Ann 
I'm from Settee and Christamoona 
I'm from Spaghetti and rain and Saved by Grapes 
I'm from earaches and chicken pox and 
Sunday afternoon naps
From  mimosa trees and water hoses on a summer day 
From a rock box underneath a tire swing 
I am from Precious Moments colored in Black
I am from the Barbie doll who lost her head at Dairy Queen 
I'm from the prodigal son who got lost on the way home 
 
I am from homeschooling and postcard collections
I am from the big words anxiety and depression
I'm from smashing the chocolate chips 
And counting steps and saying the right words
I'm from  the failed therapy session
I'm from a small college and a ranch in Arkansas 
I'm from purple curtains taken down and 
Long dresses and chapel four days a week.
I'm from hour long hikes and gifted ducks and God memorandum at 8pm 
I'm from I love you and God again
From frisbee and chicken soup and midnight rants 
I'm from Nashville and Rolling Hills and trying to survive 
I'm from caregiving and and trying again from poetry and music and a therapist that works 
I'm from a church family and small group on Wednesday night
I'm from elephants and feathers 
from oil and bread and grape juice and verses in calligraphy 
There is a cheap figurine on my dresser 
Which holds a heart shaped rock 
I am from that tiny hope 
A crudely shaped token of tomorrow 
Breath whispered in the wind at dawn. 
©jseale84