Where I'm From

I am from Crest Toothpaste that rests on the counter

and pots and pans rattling in the kitchen.

I am from the cozy,

sweet and warm feel of my home.

I am from the hay in the barn.

The maple tree

whose long gone limbs I remember

as if they were my own.

I’m from showing cattle and playing sports

and from Jon and Lisa.

I’m from eating spaghetti and sleeping in

and from about every sport known to man.

I’m from Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny

and Go tell it on the mountain.

I’m from decorating the Christmas tree and seeing the Christmas bulbs stare back at me

I’m from Carroll, Iowa and Germany.

The juicy steak and the tender roast

From the time my mom glued her fingers together

and she was at it for half an hour.

From these little boots made of clay that were painted by my great grandmother

That sit on a shelf on the wall

From these little memories

That’s where I’m from