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"