Where I'm From

I am from color pencils,

from Crayola and Caran D’ache.

I am from all four seasons,

from the cold winter breeze to the warm summer air.

I am from the apple, orange, and pear trees,

the dandelions

whose yellow fields stretch out

into the open.

I am from poems on Christmas day,
brown hair and freckles,
from Lemaire and Claeys Bouuaert.

I am from Mom’s soft kisses,
and from Dad’s big hugs.

From Always do your best! and Do as you’re told!

I am from reading the bible
and going to Church once a week.

I’m from small towns,

Where everyone knows their neighbors,

From tomato plants and mint leaves

From the bruises I got from hiking

And the cuts from falling on twigs in the forests.

In my drawers are souvenirs

from trips we went on

and places we visited.

On my shelves lie photo albums

Containing faces I’ve forgotten

And faces I still talk to,

Containing moments of my life

I will never forget.

I am from those times,

When I could laugh around and goof off,

When I felt like I could do anything I wanted,

And when everything seemed easier.