I am from soft, white tissues,
from coughing colds and stuffy noses.
I am from loyalty, honesty, and integrity,
from punctuality and reverence.
I am from “Life’s not fair,” “How are you?”
and “Don’t forget to close the garage door.”

I am from backyard baseball,
from bananas and brothers’ BB guns.
I am from a silver ride,
from downhill yard sales and sunshine in my eyes.
I am from “I live here,” “What’s for breakfast?”
and “Would you like a receipt?”

I am from indecision,
from economics and political science.
I am from $60 trips to Walmart,
from binge and no breaks
I am from “Oh snap!” “Just one hour left,”
and “Attention all shoppers.”

I am from shapes rather than letters,
from buttons rather than keys.
I am from the left click,
from VCR to DVD.
I am from “Time for bed,” “Ten more minutes,”
and “I can’t pause right now.”

I am from the classic cinema,
from the originals rather than sequels
I am from hope, retribution, and return,
from confidence and acceptance.
I am from “I’ll make it fair,” “I am well,”
and “I will if I remember.”