I am from . . .

I am from the red and white coffee mug on the counter.

From the green leather sofas and the tan, rough carpet.

I am from the one story house with the metal roof

With the scent of a home cooked meal the the feel of a spotted furry friend.

I am from the water,

The water that trickles down the pond-less waterfall next to the magnolia tree

whose long gone limbs I remember

as if they were my own.

I am from sunday lunches and the family board games.

From the Crazy Aunt Leslie and the Bible Thumper Aunt Tizzie.

I am from days at the lake and Thanksgiving football,

and from the complete and absolute craziness that is my family.

I am from church and yes ma'ams and no ma'ams

and from the angles that have blessed my mom.

I'm from Saturday morning biscuits and honey with Chief and Nonnie.

I'm from Lubbock, TX and Ireland and the tribes of the Apache.

Mom's macaroni and cheese and Dad's chicken. Nonnie's rum cake.

From the terrible wreck.

The wreck that lead to Codine and vodka.

Memaw's old house which we still drive by.

The many photo albums on the shelf.

I am from that which has made me.

Tom Grimes 8-30-11