where i am from

i am from the sun drenched desert, with warm summer rain,

and the smell of newly mowed grass,

from walking barefoot on hot asphalt streets,

riding on rope swings over the canal, and summer days spent in the water

i am from a brick house, filled with sunlight,

and a purple room where music put me to sleep at night,

and filled the beginning of a new day.

where clothespins held clothes drying in the sun

and fruit compotes waited in the kitchen before school

and girls weren't allowed to mow the lawn

i am from the rose, caster bean tree, mint,

the apricot tree

from fig jam, hibiscus and pomegranates

i am from camping in tents, reaching out to touch the clouds

vacations at the beach

and honey and vinegar to cure all ills

from little grandma and big grandma

from groves and ashmores

and many relatives i really never knew

i am from a father who is a half hour early to everything

and a mother who took her time

from coffee that will grow hair on your chest

and from the golden rule

i am from Sunday morning meetings, Wednesday night meetings,

Gospel meetings,

four day church conventions held in tents,

from workers and beautiful Hymns

i am from the east side of town

from pot roast and mashed potatoes every Sunday

and Texas sheet cake for dessert

i am from a mother who loved cooking, the color blue, spider man and judge parker,

the ocean, and wore white shoulders perfume

from a father who has a nickname for everyone,

loves to read and writes wonderful stories,

loves coffee, and grows beautiful flowers

from a brother who was quiet, athletic, my friend

and sometimes the life of the party

i am from fading photographs, gifts made by hand,

loved ones who have passed,

treasures, singing and harmony, voices reading poetry

love and laughter...

i am from warm childhood memories

i first read something titled "where i am from"

when i visited deborah at Manitoba gardens

she explained that she had come across this template

and provided it for the rest of us to use

hope you enjoy creating yours!