Where I Come From

I am from typewriters and double dutch
from Veterans and small town heroes.
I am from the thick, deep woods
and the dim light of the small living room.

I am from the calla lilies and the berry bushes.
I am from the street smart and the wisdom seekers
from mom's lasagna, and dad's mechanics.

I am from the tattle tales and the secret keepers
I'm from the "Keep your head up" and the "Keep your voice down".
I am from the lord is my Shepard
and other verses I can't remember.

I am from two branches; Andre and Rosina
Fried Chicken and Pasta Primavera.

From the horde of football players my mom fought off in high school
the cancer my cousin Jerry battled; and sadly lost.

I am from the small box of memories in the closet spilling over with picture
with unrecognizable faces
left to be lost from my knowledge.

I am from those moments
embedded in the minds of many.

I am the cherry blossom that has just begun to bud
A beautiful minority on my family tree.