After “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon
I am from markers
and scissors, used on walls
and children’s hair
I am from the step into the living room
that always made me fall
I am from the pear tree
that doesn’t grow pears
the huge evergreens
right in my backyard
I am from cracking the wishbone
and big Ford Transits,
from Charlotte
and Leah
and four different Asas
I am from the chaos and singing
from “Calm down” and
“You were just like them
when you were younger”
I am from going to shul
(most of the time)
I’m from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
from my mom’s
crispy, savory garlic potatoes
from PBS Kids,
the tooth my dad cracked,
and the finger that almost fell off.
I am from a photo album for every year,
carefully placed under the living room coffee table
Beautiful memories,
some better,
some worse
Pictures upon pictures of all the little moments—
a shining example of
Where I’m from
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