Where I'm From

I am from sudden waves of nothing

Crashing, soaking me, settling in layers.

I am from cigarettes and Popsicles,

pushed through the cracks of the front porch.

I am from fried potatoes and foul smelling hominy.

I am from my dead uncle Steve.

I am from a mother of pragmatism,

a father of realism but no care for import.

I am from "don't take no wooden nickels"

and being told to learn all on my own.

I am from summers in Alabama, Chicago, St. Louis and all the other nowheres.

I am from working all the time,

and being sworn at at work.

I am from years of looking after people who should be looking after me.

I am from the desperation to please.

I am from being continually tossed away.

I am from a surname i don't care for.