I Am From...

“I am From…” Poem

I am from piles of Disney movies, from Aladdin and Snow White,
I am from plastic swing sets and mini cars.
I am from rides in the laundry basket,
and hundreds of dollies, puppets, and stuffed animals.
I am from trunks of dress up and mounds and mounds of tule.
I am from gymnastics and dance class,
and the bike races around the street.

I am from the old green chair where my dad used to rock me.
I am from nonsense songs my sister and I made up.
I am from my sister’s fear that the puppies next door will eat her,
or that my mother would forget her at school.
I am from make-believe games with Daddy,
“The Hooffen- Hauser” and "Mr. Bug” and rainbow kisses,
and hours of giggles and shrieks of delight.

I am from many sayings: "Nobody's looking at you anyways."
"It's okay to be hungry."
"I don't hear you when you whine."
I am from lessons from my mother and time outs in the living room.
I am from Family Home Evenings and Sunday roast,
I am from snatching pieces of just-grated cheese and clumps of browning hamburger.

I am from many houses and many schools,
From new neighborhood to new neighborhood,
From new friends to new friends.
I am from a near death experience involving a magic trick and a quarter,
And reoccurring trips to the hospital.
I am from my own clumsiness, my countless “Oops” and lots of “I’m so sorry!”
I am from my breaks and sprains from tripping over things,
And many months spent on the evil crutches.

I am from a life of independence,
Yet always having the love and strength of my family to fall back upon.