Where I’m From

I’m from limitless days,

spent with my careless corgi, Nugget,

and my tireless terrier, Zag.

I’m from never ending tennis games,

my firm grip on the racket,

getting tighter and tighter

after every swing.

I’m from characters, stories and images

forming on paper

as I move my pencil swiftly

across the page.

I’m from field trips,

bonfires,

making community within and beyond my troop.

I’m from perfectly prepared pizza

the cheese and sauce composed

on top of a delicious dough.

I’m from troubled places

that give the gift of grandparents

who are now near.

I’m from my grandma’s empanadas,

their aroma rising from a steaming pan.

The perfect treat,

on a cold rainy day.

I’m from the twisted tales of Scarlet and Ivy,

the adventures of count Rostov,

the struggles of Refugee and Resistance

entertained for hours on end

as I read by my bedroom window.

I’m from talkative dinners,

as we compare the good

and the bad events of our day

to roses and thorns.

Where are you from?