I’m from PBS kids
From Cheerios and Barbies
I am from the brick wall
(Cold, welcoming
It looked like roses)
I am from the colorful garden
The butterfly
Blue and mysterious

I’m from Thanksgiving photos and the artists
From Gran, Bapa, and Edmond A. Neal
I’m from superstition
And loud personalities
From Take time to be kind and Eat everything
On your plate
I’m from the crucifix in every bedroom
And going to mass every Sunday

I’m from Tallahassee and Cork
Potatoes and oranges
From the moment Gran took care of Gary Cooper
In the hospital
To the many movies starring my relatives

Inside the attic
Hidden in the deep bucket of endless loose photos
I am from countless dreams and aspirations, yet to be
discovered