I am from my father’s echoes of dork and fred down 
carpeted stairs like they were my name.
From soccer balls scattered through the yard
and sunset walks around the block.

I am from roaring bike rides downtown and
slurping virgin margaritas while bathing in the sun.
From two divorced families
and watching the rain fly.

I am from pictures scattered on bedroom walls and
sweat dripping onto card games on Sundays.
From doodled notes and
hiding classmate’s skin in masks for joy.

I am from wonder-filled eyes and
steaming hot chocolate on snow days.
From bickering siblings in backseats of vans
and beats booming through my rib cage.

I am from shaggy dog tail wags and
swimming with spiders after a fresh rainfall.
From sharing ice cream in blue tattered booth seats
and eyes that turn into crows feet with a teeth sparkling grin.

I am from backyard tents with secrets and
red bowls on granite counters filled with bushels of ripe bananas.
From screeching songs teens know in car rides
and kissing loved ones under doorways on holidays.

I am from hearts as fast as hummingbird wings in the moonlight
and the silence of a forest after a fresh snowfall.
From tip toeing through rocky river-bends
and nights stargazing under a blanket of stars.

I am from barefoot sprints across freshly cut grass
and flashlight stories dreamt under blanket forts.
From cranberry candle light shining through tattered eyes
and empty secrets hidden in bindings of favorite books.

I am from my father’s echoes of diligence and freedom
down carpeted stairs like they were my name.
From soccer balls scattered throughout our memories
and sunset walks disperse as the chime of our clocks tick.