Where I’m From

I am from alphabetical, tree-lined, Sugarhouse streets with a laundry shoot we would slide down.
I am from a magical, imaginative, scraped-knee childhood
where lemonade was not sold on the neighborhood corner
but given away for free.
I am from non-conforming, non-judgmental, passionate parents.
I am molded from two older sisters and
we molded one little brother.
I am from the fiercely loyal extended family and the 4th member of the Original 5
where fort building and couch-to-mini-trampoline-back-to-couch moves were mastered.
I am from California summers, Paul Simon, and Joni Mitchell
with messy hair, sun kissed cheeks and sand in my toes.
I am from built-in waterbeds and lilac bushes, where I would breath in deeply
and realize the scent of safety.
I am from a family who is open with conflict, emotions, verbal affection, and sexuality.
I am from a school bus on Wasatch Boulevard, August and Everything After,
millions of friends hanging at our house, and canyon drives.
I am from tears to Seattle that eventually dried up
as new friends were made.
I am from walks in St. Edwards where the sacred words spoken remain there,
hang from the leaves
and greet me every time I enter.
I am from conversations, matters of the heart, and relationship over sleep.
I am from rainy walks home in Bellingham, the YMCA,
Joey Potter and Felicity Porter.
I am from snowy winters on a bike in Japan, warm toilet seats,
letters from home and Ecuador.
I am from falling in love on a couch on Hermosa’s back porch,
most embarrassing moment,
and “yes, yes, yes’s”.
I am from a new family who loves me for me and are good, honest people.
I am from the Northwest where the earth smells healthy
and a cracked window makes for the perfect sleeping temperature.
I am from extroversion, late night productivity, and life organization.
I am from growing pains from change, forgetfulness that people are more private than myself,
and an unhealthy paranoia about making mistakes.
I am from the school that being a good friend is vital for a happy life -
this applies to all my relationships.
I am from the belief that at the end of my life the main thing that will matter is if I was kind.

Writing style stolen from one of my favorite bloggers that was based on this poem.
image from this fun contest.