Where I'm From

I am from squashing May Pops,
From catching catfish at Pawpaw’s Talladega lakehouse
And Winnie the Pooh

I am from the large home on the hill,
hidden by looming magnolia trees
I am from Sunday tuna fish sandwiches
And volunteering at soup kitchens,
From my southern Mamaw and northern Grandpa

I am from the work until you drop
And driving like a maniac
From “don’t watch the boob tube,”
But “be home by eleven”
I am from speaking in tongues to Hail Mary
I’m from Long Island, New York, bagels, and steaming hot coneys
From the riding to Trade Day on early Saturday mornings,
While perched behind my dad on his motorcycle
And the picking of dandelions in my front yard

I am from love notes, hidden in an old handbag,
Wrapped loosely with a worn pink ribbon
I once wore in my long brown hair
I am from a blend of Southern and Northern ideals and traditions
Both relished and forever embraced

Melissa Shields, 2011
*Inspired by George Ella Lyon's Poem - "Where I'm From"

The Twelve Months that Shape Us

Brisk winds sweep leafless trees, edged with the night’s snowfall
A new beginning, resolutions to be made

Lacy red hearts adorn shop windows
And tasty small chocolates are enveloped in brightly wrapped boxes

Signs of new growth begin to emerge, green and vibrant
As winter winds give way to warmer breezes

Welcome rain hugs cool earth, eliciting
Beautiful buds and floral landscapes

Full blooms, warmer temperatures
Forgotten coats, revived shorts and swimsuits

No more bells, no more books
Time for rest and sunny beaches

Pop! Bang! Celebrations of America’s rights fill dark evening skies with
Booming displays of lights, colors, and sounds

Oppressive heat looms as the unforgiving sun beats down
Parents pack department stores in search of shiny new clothes and school supplies

Ever so slowly, leaves begin browning, colors begin fading
Friday night lights welcome anxious crowds adorned in their favorite team’s color

Orange pumpkins greet visitors on doorsteps
As masked children search for their favorite sweet delights

Thankful for the graciousness of others
Plump brown turkeys and dressing fill festive family tables

Explosions of reds, greens, and silver emerge at every stop
Tall glittering trees beckon families to fellowship

Each year brings expectations of both things familiar and unknown
But remind us all that these experiences shape who we have yet to become