I am from an “I Love You” kind of family,

a family where three words have the meaning of hundreds.

Hanging up the phone, leaving the house, “I love you.”

I am from a family where humans aren’t our only aspect,

but four dogs, four cats, and a snake compliment us.

Compliments are rare, but assumed.

I am from Parkview Lane,

where childhood football games led to touchdown friendships.

How I learned “family” doesn’t have to be family.

I am from glasses and a mohawk,

struggling to make friends in elementary school.

Stuck pretending, trying to convince others I was cool.

I am from desperate struggles,

to make me stand out,

like being disrespectful, and running my mouth.

I am from Wizards of Waverly Place,

Nickelodeon too,

after school I struggled to find something to do.

I am from WWE action figures,

learning my fighter’s favorite moves,

to giving them away when I found out it’s not true.

I am from gaming until 6 A.M.,

me and my brothers would play,

waking up at dinner time, ready to race.

I am from a family that loves me, with whatever they can,

where three words have the meaning of hundreds,

I love you.