I am from the apple tree, from Hershey Chocolate Syrup and Swiffer.
I am from the pine trees deep in the backyard. (Pokey, green, it smelled like winter.)
I am from cherry trees, whose trunks are the only remnants.
I am from Chocolate Cake from Minnesota and freckles, from Janell and Rob and Peterson.
I am from know-it-alls and football fans. From keep-your-chin-ups and calm-downs.
I am from The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, with ultimate salvation and forgiveness of sins.
I am from Iowa and Germany, baked potato soup and snicker salad.
From the eye that my grandpa lost to a knife.
The cow that my aunt and uncles on my mom’s side used to ride as kids.
In my closet a photo album spilling frozen smiles and standstill moments.
I am from the basement shelves, crammed full of invaluable history of long forgotten times, from the mementos keeping my family spirit alive...