I Am From

I Am From (As taught millions of times in "progressive" English classrooms across the country. Thank you Linda Christensen, thank you.)

I am from Scott and Joanne, Scottie B and Toots

the Appalachian mountains and the Phillies and Iggles.

I am from

"let's pertend," playing house in Mr. Bond's yard, Spinny and Marshall, writing my first teacher notes home in Do and Pa's terrace.

I am from Bo-Pat, my pet-dog/toy coca-cola truck.

I am from stepping on Zack's legos and having my "buttons pushed"

I am from avoiding stickhead to having him become one of my best friends.

I am from FOOD.

Watermelon jolly ranchers

Dairy Queen Butterfinger Blizzards (size large please)

Those special nights when Mom got out the Fry Baby

And of course Do's mashed potatoes.

I am from summers at Chincoteague and Thanksgivings in New Jersey.

I am from normal to chubby to thin.

I am from craving and rejecting labels.

I am from Take Me Home Country Roads and Strawberry Fields Forever.

Playing the piano while Mom cooked dinner and "Sing my song, Noona."

I am from "don't roll your eyes at me" and "I'm proud of you sweetie."

I am from high expectations and even higher lessons of empathy.

I am from a workaholic and a nurturer.

I am from that very lucky place where love and ambition meet:

I am from home.