I Am From...

I am from snow shovels,  

from Kirkland Road Salt and Columbia Coats.

I am from the chestnut and Disney inspired bonus room.

(Spacious, cozy,

it´s aura felt homely.)

I am from the White Spruce,

the Lodgepole Pine

whose rootstock was shelter

to the beloved deer.

I am from extreme Christmas decorating and chubby cheeks,

From Melissa and Pancho and Panchito.

I am from the projecting, thunderous voices

and the spoiling of Duqui.

I am from Talk louder! and Speak less!

I am from guardian angels

who look over my shoulder

and St. Thomas More Parish.  

I am from Panama and Canada,

lasagna and chicken pot pie.

From my mother´s fear of winter driving

due to black ice,

the deck in the backyard daddy and my big brother built.

In the corner of my closet is a plastic box,

with diaries of original songs

written in Melrose Crescent.

In #1814 family portraits lie

in the interior of the walls,

I am from those images—

Lying in the core of my heart

for eternity.