I am from dreadful walks to school
pouring rain, scorching heat, freezing blizzards--and what mother nature decides
I don’t want it any other way

I am from my dad’s family
“Is that how you say it?”  “Did I spell it right?”  “You must be German”
Schlondrop...

I am from Golden Lake
boating, burgers, bees--and, of course, sun tanning and swimming through
summers I won’t forget

I am from my friends--but in my dreams--
successful, hard working, determined
qualities of my friends, which I need to work on achieving for myself...

I am from within,
quiet, and shy, but not alone
accepting that that’s who I am.