I am from paired socks,
from hair dryers and warm towels.
I am from the fingerprints left on the front window —
waxy, misplaced, streaks of identity.
I am from the palm trees
the sunsets
That brighten the sky with yellows and purples
like healing bruises.
I’m from ice cream and mechanical pencils,
from sister and cousins.
I’m from the honest
and the revealed
from Apply Sunscreen! And Bring your keys!
I’m from Easter Services
with long homilies
and aching knees.
I’m from Pretty in Pink and Sesame Street,
baked bread and chilled milk.
From dripping candles,
the prayers lifted once the fire is burned.
Relaxed by the basement staircase,
single light bulb switched,
through released dust,
escaping through the opening of cabinets.
I am from times
where I am loved.
Inspiration: “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon.
