Too Far Away
Inspired by “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyons

I am from Worcester, Massachusetts
not wor-chess-ter.

I’m from the taller blades of grass
growing
under the bench
aging
under the crab apple tree.

I’m from heaps of
Kid Rock
Insane Clown Posse
and Limp Bizkit CDs
in the back seat of Mom’s car
and songs that I could sing on cue
but elude me now.

I’m from bright and fast white winters
like the flash of a camera
and slip-skating
on the above-ground pool
and coming inside
with one wet sock.

I’m from in-between
the wild strawberries
and the nasty prickers.

I’m from thunder storms
spent under a dog-smelling afghan
on the glider
on the brick patio.

I’m from Worcester, Massachusetts
not wor-chess-ter.

I’m a lightning bug
too far away from her only glow.