Texas bama

I am from sweet potato pies, red velvet cakes,

cornbread, and collard greens.

I am from big yards, blistering heat, and

crowded Churches filled with women runnin’ up and down the aisle cryin’ thank you Jesus

I am from stop walkin’ in and out that door

And you better get yo ass inside this house

I am from Daddy Boo

telling me his war stories

from Korea and Vietnam

I am from lighting fireworks

with Paw Paw and Grandma Ann

Of Dad driving down Alabama country roads

with the radio blasting so loud

it hurts my ears

I am from cousins singin’ and dancin’ at bbqs

And rooms filled with the laughter

of drunk Aunts and Uncles

telling old embarrassing stories

of their youth.