I Am From...

We wrote "I Am From" poems in my poetry class this semester, and this is mine. For me, it feels like a tribute to my family.


On being a Boone...

I am from the bridge over Lake Junaluska
where Mimi said “Yes.”
From Pappy’s barn
just past the barbed wire fence
we crawl beneath
leaving our jeans stained
with the scent of wet grass and manure.

I am from Thomas Frederick and Betty Lee,
Hester Ann and Richard James,
David Sanford and Roxanne-with-no-middle-name
because she was a surprise.

I am from the napping blanket
stolen from my Mama’s house,
red and navy plaid with silver snaps,
soft, familiar, sleepy.

I am from potato soup and broccoli bread
started at 4 and served at 7
but no matter what I do,
I still can’t make mine taste like hers –
yet.

I am from the songs my Daddy plays while we sing
long fingers plucking,
shining eyes smiling,
as his girly-girls sing
whenever and wherever we are,
in harmony.