I am from the soccer field

from cosmic brownies and pizza lunchables

I am from the place with the big backyard for the kids to play

grassy, sunny

It sounded like mom was yelling “Lunch is ready!”

I am from the butterfly garden,

the sunflowers with open petals

I’m from the Sunday dinners, cousin movie nights, and the non-stop talkers

from Gerrets and Signorelli and Sprague

I’m from the annual beach trip and the daily card games

I was born as a mermaid and

the doctor’s office is the ice cream parlor

I’m from the Church regulars,

the grace before meals

I’m from the red, white, and green,

pasta and bread.

From the circle of life duck lesson in the park with grandpa,

the school supply shopping with grandma.

On the wall, in the drawers,

always many faces in every frame.

I am from the family comes second, only after God.