I come from the place of ice blue mountains that enclose me like crowned walls.
I dream of green forests that smell of possibility.
I am the child who found warmth under a gold lamp as I
huddled with musty books beneath a gray cloud blanket.
I come from a house filled with singing, shouting.
Laughter in one breath, tears in the next.
I come from a proud line of women
with bright eyes, large hearts
power and beauty grasped in each hand.
I come from a clan of mothers who fight for their children
hold on to them tightly, and never let go.
My world comes from music, rhythm
Beats that move feet into air.
I come from cinnamon rubbed with garlic on chicken,
of milk in a pot on the stove when I can’t sleep,
applesauce and lime soda when I’m sick on the couch.
I come from a land of soft words, cold hands, and the wish for a friend.
My safe place is the one I built. Made with
Barbies and model horses, plastic tigers and dinosaurs.
I come from a series of passport stamps,
riding in the back seat with my brother,
sharing a bed, tasting strange food,
trying to shape the foreign words on my tongue.
I come from early mornings spent with my mom
Dry paintbrush in hand
As I fancy I’m painting our Persian carpet.
I come from afternoons spent screaming
Wishing my parents would see I was ready to date.
I come from fierce love and overabundant piles of words.
From snow’s fresh excitement and summer’s fleeting glory
Twined in emerald grass and sapphire lakes.
I come from dozens of cousins who fill my family
With babies and noise and drama drama drama.
I come from a world as broken as it is beautiful.
I come from a light-streaked darkness where I must let tears pass through
I come from living without the answers I want.
I come from two parents, two siblings, more good times than bad.
I come from optimism that shoves against winter-black depression.
I come from my grandma’s crossword marathons,
my grandpa’s wild garage of inventions.
I come from spaghetti all over my face and orange popsicles under the cherry tree.
I am the child of all of these things.
I come from a hundred places. I come from my home.
I come from the life that came to me.
April Gerard
1 Dec 2015I am tempted to write a poem in response to yours…also gives me some more ideas btw 🙂
Elise
2 Dec 2015I’d love to see that poem, April!
Susan Saba
10 Dec 2015We thought that this was beautiful! So many wonderful memories!
Susan Saba
10 Dec 2015We thought that this was beautiful!
So many good memories!