Topic: People/Family stories
Some friends I know are doing the I am From poetry on a forum I go to. This is mine....I kinda got into it! lol Here is the template if you want to do one too. Let me know if you do and I'll come read yours!
I am from orange popsicles, dripping down my chin and elbow,
from hula hoops, roller skates with keys and a purple Huffy ten speed
From the influence of hippies and the 60’s and 70’s,
The Beattles, Monkees, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel.
From air raid drills and the Viet Nam War.
Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan.
I am from the suburbs of a growing desert city,
loving homes and big families, neighbors talking and borrowing,
playing hide and seek, football and kickball under the streetlight.
From a friend dying in the night in her bed.
From go-go boots, peasant tops and bell bottom jeans.
I am from the dust storms and cactus and grit in hair and teeth,
from toasting in the sun, floating on the Salt River,
neighborhood swimming pools, Dr. Pepper and fresh blue skies.
From Bonanza, the Beaver, the Brady Bunch and Charlie’s Angels.
I am from camping in the mountains and brown hair, from Bob and Jackie,
From far off grandparents and relations,
And the reputations of 4 older siblings.
A wayward sister, a far off brother in the navy.
I am from spoons balanced on noses at holiday dinners and loud laughter.Inside jokes and practical jokes. What are nose pants?
From don’t talk to strangers, do unto others and stand up straight.
I am from a small Baptist church full of love and mercy. From a large
Baptist church that drew people in with love and mercy.
From FSBC, big G, youth group, choir tours and busses full of kids.
The tunnels, the pink sidewalk and Slide Rock.
I'm from Scots and Kilts and bagpipes in my imagination,
from the South and the Northwest and the Southwest.
Beef stew and chimichangas, biscuits and tortillas.
From the death of a brother in an airplane crash,
the silence of grieving parents.
Looking at old photos and slides, trying to remember.
From the disillusions of older siblings’ divorces.
And the 60 year marriage of my parents.
I am from looking through the cedar chest at memories,
sitting in a dark, cool closet and imagining.
I could never have imagined all that God has brought me through
And all that life has put me through
…..but I am thankful for it all.
