I'm from a green swing set,

with Barbies and American Girl and fashion.

I am from the sunny, quiet house,

and all the trees I can picture,

and I'm from the big house on the beach

where every day is a new promise of something special.

I am from the little pine trees in the yard,

I am from the sand dollar waiting for me in the warmth.

I'm from Struwwelpeter and Schnitzelbank,

from Tim and Tim and Heinz.

I am from the card games with cousins, and

we'd all love to hear music.

From Hals und Beinbruch and practice makes perfect.

I am from the Appleseed song and pretty dresses for holidays.

I'm from the Europeans travelling to Southern Shores every summer,

spaetzle and Uncle Tim's honey mustard devilled eggs.

From jumping waves and wrestling with a kite

to the "perfect" igloos in the winter, hand-made,

and the UNO deck that of course I never ever rigged.

 

I am from endless seashell crafts,

home-made board games in the tree house,

and a kiddie pool,

all saved for my cousins and I (and only us)

to remember their worth.

I am from little South Lyon

and the Cabin

and the Beach House

and the memories that will keep the past alive.

I come from a past with a loving family

that will forever inspire me

and I know wherever I'm going

they'll hear me.