where i'm from

for english.

I am from contradictions,

I am from cottonwood summers, leaf-piles

Skinned knees and climbing trees

Pool parties and trampolines

And knowing your neighbors,

Close enough to elementary school to walk alone.

I am from avocado plants in red plastic cups

That never see soil.

 

I am from bedrooms.

Shares bedrooms, unfamiliar bedrooms,

Furniture I never shopped for

Decorating this place that isn’t mine,

Even after months and months�"why bother.

I am from the shelf of candles on my dresser,

Scented memories going up in smoke,

Self-portraits to be pinned up and torn down,

And tipped-over cups

Stains spreading dark across the carpet.

 

I am from somewhere, I’m sure.

But where I’m from never seems to be as important

As what I seem to be moving towards.

With backgrounds that constantly shift

But never take me anywhere.

I am from Christmas journals hiding in the sock drawer,

The only place I could think of saying

Things like this.

Reviews

[stars are far]

nice...

[Lyzzy Redd]

I really like this. I can't really pinpoint it, but there's something really special about this piece--maybe it's because it's so personal for you? I don't know. But I really enjoyed it is all.