(Written for a high school assignment- 2015)
I’m from humid summers,
cookouts in the bug spray-haze.
I follow my sister,
trying to catch more fireflies.
I am from giggles at the table
trying to be hushed
as Mom gives us “The Look.”
I’m from swing sets
creaking as we sing.
From road trips without Dad,
singing “Nobody’s Perfect” and “We’re all in this together.”
I am from watching football after church-
eating chili.
I’m from raking leaves and baking apple pies
“It’s Hannah’s turn”s-
always waiting for mine.
From still watching for Dad to come home
so I can carve a cat in my pumpkin.
From awaiting the Day I can be
who I’m not.
I’m from snow and sleet and slush,
Cold freezing through trees,
killing flowers and grass,
trapping us in our house.
From tears with my sister,
as we try to ignore the shouts.
From The Family Meeting
to let me know We Aren’t anymore.
From two houses, one home;
back and forth.
The Cold traps us.
From sadness; cover-up-smiles.
From “God has a Plan,”
and “I hope so.”
Hope returns-
flowers peek through the ground.
I’m from “He is risen”
and “He is risen indeed,”
reminding me even death isn’t the end.
The sun rises,
dark skies change to light.
Bleeding Hearts begin to bloom.
I am from Seasons-
nurturing life.
