Where I'm From

I am from paint,
from Levi's and cassette tapes.
I am from the back yard,
cool and dry with dragonflies on the patio.
I am from the sunflower,
the cornstalks occupying recycled Indiana fields.
I'm from deadpan humor and brown hair,
from Robert and Moore.
I'm from the forgetfulls and the loving,
from respect your elders and respect yourself.
I'm from gospel readings and ancient hymns.
I'm from Southwest General and old world Europe,
barbecued chicken and spaghetti with meatballs.
I'm from the time lost in grocery stores to the time
lost in conversation.
The shoe box on the top shelf in my closet filled with
old drawings and photos immerses itself somewhere,
In the deep corners of my brain.
Careless appreciation and looking forward,
This is where I'm from and where I am going.