Where I'm From

Where I’m From

by Jordan Wyman

I am from sports equipment,

from swim caps and hand-me-downs,

I am from the blistering sun.

(horribly hot, terribly bright,

It felt like melting.)

I am from the magnolia tree

the poison ivy that hid behind it

scratchy and itchy for everyone but me.

I’m from the shared Christmas Eve dinner and church on Easter Sunday,

from Max and Jack, Veronica and Rachael, and little Nick

I’m from the rough housing

and goofing off,

from be tough and suck it up

I’m from classic rock

ornate cathedrals

learning how to take Communion

I’m from Germany and Italy,

pasta and potatoes.

From my papa milking cows all his life,

the tarantula my mom beat to death with a broom

Displayed on a table

photographs stand tall

showing family and friends.

I am from many siblings

the love we all share.