From Thomas and scratched wood. 

I am from the rabbit under the concrete porch, 

From carrot feeding, 

To dying next summer. 

I am from the cicada in my parents' bathroom, 

Seeing its little body decade in the corner. 

 

I'm from feces-stains and scratch-marks, 

From ferrets and irresponsibility. 

I'm from the fridge in my kitchen, 

Where I hide the leftover takeout. 

I'm from the perfect family, 

How a subtle nod can mean so much of a compliment. 

 

Throughout my past, 

It's definitely been tough, 

But who said life wasn't gonna be rough? 

I am from obstacles. 

I am from finding my own way around. 

 from sunlight falling through the harlequin leaves of oak trees. 

A sea of evergreens dotted with islands of mountain. 

I am from years of winter storms, 

 from the rough caress of a frigid wind,  

 to hot cocoa and crackling flames. 

 

I am from a galaxy of stars in an Indian sky,  

 lighting up the darkness with a million wishes. 

I am from my mother's brothers 

  and father's sisters. 

I am from farmers and actresses, 

 from politicians and pastors. 

I am from Singh and Khosa and Darla, 

 from Hinduism to Sikhism to Christianity. 

I am from poor paperboys and sleek moguls, 

 from racing stallions and mountainous elephants. 

 

I am from generations of whole-heart lovers,  

 from determined hard-workers. 

I am from those who look to the stars and wish. 

I am from the fighters and dreamers, 

 bursting with hope of a new life, 

 a fresh start. 

 

 

I am from eccentric music and disastrous haircuts, 

 from church picnics and autumn photo shoots. 

I am from self-taught piano lessons  

 and a father who plays fourteen instruments. 

I am from childhood naps in the coat closet,  

 and Netflix marathons. 

I am from Winnie the Pooh,  

 and I love you Tigger. 

I am from choir concerts  

 and high school graduations. 

I am from mouth-watering Chinese takeout, 

  and accidentally murdered goldfish. 

 I am from blistering California sand, 

 to cool Chicago pavement. 

I am from Manhattan skyscrapers, 

 to Indian villages.  

I am from Marvel Universe and DC Comics. 

I am from worship band practices  

 and acapella acoustic jam sessions. 

I am from decadent soaks in a warm, lavender-scented bath,  

 and the high-pitched, slightly off-key voices of carolers. 

 

I am from those who don’t listen, 

 our throats wait like matchsticks, 

 waiting to catch fire.  

I am from a deaf crowd, 

 a whirlwind of voices, 

 from those who speak without thinking. 

I am from those who have no filter, 

 or perhaps it's just me. 

 

 I am from the dream of neuroscience, 

 and a love for the beauty of music.  

I am from insomniac and loudmouth, 

 from best friend and confidante. 

I am from a quintet of beautiful friendship, 

 and laughter that breaks through the sadness. 

I will never be from calm and quiet,  

 but I will be from success. 

from gritty sand and cool wind. 

I’m from the blood red rose bush, 

the tall pine tree. 

I am from the park, 

with the smell of dust and objects colliding.

 

I am from Haribo and long pony tails, 

from Nichole and Mary. 

I’m from I can do it better,  

from work hard now, 

play hard later. 

I’m from sharp voices, 

and several other tones,

that are indescribable. 

 

I’m from the Johnson and Dean tree, 

 popsicles and pickles.  

From the lung my grandmother lost, 

do to kindness.

The skin pinched on my mothers stomach. 

In my sponge rest memories, 

of  wrinkle faces and dreams. 

I’m from pictures 

captured through life.

I’m from the rusty garden tools, 

From the tank tops and baseball caps,

I’m from the moving trucks,

The small houses that can never stay rooted,

I’m from the mountain full of holly,

(Soft, always welcoming,

As if autumn was every evening).

 

I’m from the enchiladas and fajitas,

From the double bruisers and soccer goals,

I’m from the do it right,

And the do it over,

From Rodolfo and Helen,

I’m from the falling of bridges,

Quiet prayers and silent dreams,

From the strong yet humble.

 

I’m from the Ceiba and Kapok,

From the luscious rolling hills and delicious Jammie Dodgers,

I’m from the hero who lived to tell the tale,

From the cherished teddy bear on the new black shelf,

I’m from the old wooden playhouse over the hill,

Where I dreamed of stories yet to come,

Perfectly pictured from the little swing set’s creaking,

To the little metal slide.

 

I am a daughter of the protective and  

paranoid.  

I am from the Mother of Presidents and Fas.  

I am from the strawberry custard pie,  

to which precious fruits were snatched.  

I am from the evergreen anger and  

sakura kindness.  

 

I am from the nana,  

one many would drink when the moon woke up.  

From inconsideration to ignorance,  

my second home often only danced at Christmas,  

leaving my family in the dark corner of the room  

and back of the burner.  

 

I am from the grain of corruption  

to the monument of twins,  

families lived in fear  

of each other. 

 

Years fly by              

 I am from the bumps on my head as a baby

When all solo cups looked the same,

Maybe?

I am from the days as a kindergartner when girls had “coodies”

When the fruit snacks we had for snack time were quite fruity

I am from the blissful days of 4th grade

When capture the flag was the game

I am from the days of recess

From the days of being the fastest getting all the fame

 

I am from the warm sunny days of the 5th grade 

That went by like a breeze

But when we had to go to the six grade I yelled 

Please?

I am from the new experiences of the seventh grade

From when I wore a bath towel for superhero day

I am from the hot days of summer, enjoying myself at Kings Island

From trying to ride the Banshee calmly

But I end up yelling for my mommy

 

I am from the days of the GameCube

From the good times of Mario Kart 

From the joyful days of playing outside till’ the sun waned

I am from the green hills and tall oak trees of forest park

But now I am from the urban neighborhoods of Liberty Township

 

From the early high school hours

From the endless high school homework

I am from a loving family

With caring parents

I am me

 

 

10/23/16 

  

I’m from honey crisp apples, 

Lathered in peanut butter, 

With its shiny red skin, 

  

I’m from the desk, 

As plain as plain could be, 

Passed down generations, 

With a paint thinner smell. 

  

I’m from Brunswick stew, 

Its scent flooding the frosted air, 

Warming my purple-hued hands, 

Burning my tongue. 

  

I’m from the day of the dead, 

Décor littering the yard, 

Wrappers piled on the floor, 

The door bell ringing non-stop. 

  

I’m from my grandpa, 

Unique with words, 

Not appreciated then, 

Is loved now. 

 

 �

Neither hot nor cold, a crisp breeze whispering to the trees.

I am from blowing bubbles and baking cupcakes

From juice pouches and chocolate pudding.

I am from canaries, goldfish, toads

A duckling, and a Chihuahua Dalmatian

Countless pets that don’t last long.

I am from watching Pokemon and Dragon Tales,

From Nintendo games and the Mario Brothers.

I’m from the backyard garden, 

Mint leaves, basil, parsley, pumpkins.

Massive sunflowers and rose bushes.

I am from Cinco de Mayo, telenovelas and piňatas,

Mexican treats sent from my grandmother.

I am from distant family,

Nameless cousins, aunts, and uncles.

I am from being a middle child,

Stuck between Karol and Krystal.

I’m from “I told you so” and 

“I’m gonna tell mom” but we never really do.

I am from hot lazy days where nothing happens,

Sleeping ‘til “noon-thirty” and staying in bed.

I am from 80’s music, hardcore, and some pop

Turned up all the way, tuning out the world

From Doctor Who and Sherlock marathons,

From Disney movies and space documentaries.

I am from random doodles and detailed sketches.

I am from dyed hair, from ombre to red, to blue, back to red, now purple

I am from OCD and mental breakdowns

Sleepless nights and teary eyes.

I am from straight A’s and hours of studying

High expectations and higher anxiety

I am from high hopes for the future

From branching off from my family and creating my own

I am from soaring dreams just out of reach

Of being a graphic designer, an animator, maybe even an engineer

I will be from much success

I will be from being 

Happy

-H.O

From Neosporin and Band-Aids

From skinning my knee on my bike 

(the cold, hard, rough sidewalk an unforgiving needle, drawing blood)

I am from the two huge pear trees in front of my yard,

Myself so determined to one day reach the top

I am from fresh baked sweets and old recliner chairs

From Elmer and Mariana

I’m from the bow-your-heads and elbows off the table

From Say you’re sorry and Hug it out

I am from stiff dresses only for church, especially Easter

And the Sunday school I dreaded, yet anticipated at the same time

I am from Judy and Bill

Strong love and wooden canes.

From the woman I never got to thank for my dad

To the final goodbye I never got to have

In our living room, there are pictures in albums

Some lay in a corner, a quiet corner

A peaceful place for those memories to rest

They must get tired, running through our head constantly

I am from the birthplace of aviation.

From homegrown periodicals to heritage FM frequencies.

From beat-up ghettos to small, dusty towns.

From dark fields, flickering with lights of projected dreams.

 

From blasting Beatles and free sprits, from Pamela and Wayne.

From acrylic paint splattered across studios and organic food sizzling on the stove top.

From annoying dachshunds and ruby-throated hummingbirds

From sarcastic cinephiles and welcoming smiles.

 

From lake towns and sports fanatics, from Chuck and Karen.

From small town butchers and bread-winners.

From excited German immigrants to proud American patriots.

From Bruce Springsteen and gym class heroes. EptXqQ6�^ݮ{�r

From rose bushes and oak trees that flourished in the spring

I am from family movie nights on stormy days

From the little song “You are my sunshine” being sung as I drifted to sleep

I am from the smell of my mom’s perfume

From tickle fights, dress up, and games of hide and seek

I am from sledding down the hill out back alongside my giggling brother

From chicken nuggets and Mac-and-cheese at lunch time on summer days

I am from the book Goodnight Moon

From hearing my mother whisper “Goodnight, Munchkin”

I am from tears and heartbreak

From saying goodbye and I’ll never forget you

I am from words of encouragement like “be brave” and “don’t settle”

From a strong passion to help others

I am from a blended family

From Thanksgivings and Christmas jam-packed with visiting relatives

I am from the belief in God and a heaven up above

I am from family

I am from friends

I am from love

 

I am from dreams,

from sheets and pillows.

I am from the text book

(Usually buried in my arms).

I am from the magnolia,

the holly bushes.

Whose branches provide shelter for many,

Even a Yorkshire terrier pup.

 

I am from Oreos and chili

From only Poe I know.

From Christmas, Lent, Baptism,

Gambling and Drinking.

 

I am from a great, great pocket watch.

From fur, scales, and shells.

In a closet was navy blue plaid, white cotton,

and broken trust.

I am from dreams

-some broken or impossible- 

Mind up in a cloud.

A.A 

 

I am from fluffy cotton balls of imagination, 

quirky sayings, and optimism.   

Wide emerald eyes gleaming, observing, and questioning. 

Deep water thoughts; I'm puzzled 

as if the world were one big Rubik's Cube. 

High spirits and sometimes low days.  

I'm from not being everyone's first pick 

 but: "It's okay to be an underdog 

 because people love movies about them." 

Letting myself stumble and Him embrace me, 

arms wide.  

 

I'm from spontaneously, wacko journeys with my friends; 

all idiosyncratic, but marching to the beat of the same drum. 

We attempt to dance and sing  

at last minute parties   

and wake up the whole neighborhood with our late night chuckling. 

 

My family is the sculptor to the statue I call myself. 

I'm from warm homecooked meals 

that steam with love.  

Originating from the Jamaican descent of Hortense and Wayne 

and the sisterhood of Renee.  

Being the first generation of my family born in America, 

I'm from a bucket brigade of genes. 

 

  

 

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

from soccer and tennis.

I am from shimmering water of the pool,

slippery summer days sliding by

I am from dog fur

of Wizard, Thunder, Cookie, and now Remy.

 

I am from books and gardens,

Wink and Phyllis.

I’m from the do-goods,

the do-greats,

from beautiful to athletic.

I’m from the thrill of best time,

matches won,

and goals miraculously scored.

 

I am from the Irish and German,

from Mae and Winfield.

From Alzheimer’s and dementia,

an engineers’ background.

From crystal blue eyes,

to hazel eyes.

I am from the technological age,

assisted by my father, 

from the data crunches by mom.

I am from the memories only I can see.

From smooth satin to soft cotton.

I am from television,

With the shows

That bring a smile to my face.

I am from the plastic pine

With sparkling ornaments

And layers of dust.

I am from freezing winters

Leaving me with dry, cracked hands

And a runny nose.

I am from the darkness before the dawn.

I see it every time I go to school.

I am the blossoms from the family tree.

Petals as white as snow

Eventually fall and rot.

I am from paper and shapes.

From ink to lead,

I have written a million words.

I am from a melodic flute,

Dying as the notes reach their end.

Where I am From Poem

E.H. 

I am from the “In the Dark” game, 

Late night movie making kind of weekends.

I am from the labs at home

Cuddled up in their crates.

I am from the boat,

Pushing the throttle down,

Going faster and faster.

Swimming in the lake without a care in the world.

 

I am from Craig and Michelle,

Smart and caring.

I am from my dad’s favorite mottos,

“Treat others the way you want to be treated”,

And “distance is always your friend.”

I am from my mom’s scrapbooks,

Decorated and made with loving care.

 

I am from crazy midnight care rides,

Laughing with friends.

I am from my brother,

Whining about math homework.

I am from people who love me, 

My family.

I am from cameras

With pictures of what life once was

Frames full of mysterious faces,
holding years of memories

I am from distance
With many miles separating each destination

Soaring high above the rest of the world
Floating through a vast layer of clouds

From Versailles to Buckingham to Edinburgh

I am from the mountains in the Alps,
with the cold crisp air

The beaches of Normandy,with the tinted salty air

The beauty of Cotswalds,
With small running streams

I am from patterned pajamas 

on a cold winter’s day

I am from hot chocolate
With melted marshmallows 

sprinkled throughout the mug, leaking steam

I am all of my past,
that creates me today

I am from muddy water, colorful leaves, and tall trees. I remember the rigid grooves in the solid brick of my old house. With the worn out roads and the spray painted lines that marked the spot I could not cross.The town where I grew up smelled like smoke and fried chicken.  

I am from milkshakes on Thanksgiving and pajama breakfast's on Christmas morning. My appetite consisted of Italian sauce and meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, and peanut butter and jelly on a hotdog bun. 

 My childhood was filled with cross necklaces and butterfly barrettes. From bob haircuts and toddler shoes I couldn’t seem to grow out of as well as hideous middle bangs. 

I am from the Frank's and Frank Jrs. From the hard working and determined. I strive to be the best me I can be as my mother reminds me to do so. I grew up with a big Italian family that cannot seem to quiet down, it is for this reason I had stuttering problems. I am from musicians and dancers. I am from sunshine rhymes and smiles. 

 

K F

I am from soccer balls,

From the lacrosse sticks and goal.

I’m from the small creek out back,

where things seemed to disappear. 

I am from the euchre games,

where luck was commonly confused with cheating

 

I am from the buttered spaghetti,

seasoned with salt and pepper.

I’m from the box in the basement, 

filled with soccer memorabilia.

I’m from the overnights at mama’s, 

 from decorating her Christmas tree.

 

I’m from waking up early on Christmas,

running downstairs to see what was left

excitedly arriving in the living room seeing vast amounts of gifts.

I am from trying to do good things, 

good things that my future self is going to thank me for. Ep�=�,

Like straight hair and good eyes.

I am from pale skin and pale freckles,

From odd yet perfect feet.

I am from bad coordination,

And a lack of athleticism.

 

I am from trampolines and swings.

I’m from i-Phones and MacBooks.

I’m from brightly colored doll clothes,

And American-Girls.

I am from the smell of pizza and Windex. 

 

I am from blindly believing grandma,

To biting my tongue at family events.

I’m from cheap demi-pointes,

To shiny pointe shoes.

I am from Flagstone Way,

To Eagle Ridge Drive.

I am from pretty dresses,

To Hufflepuff sweats.

 

I am from feeling anxious and irritated.

I am from seeing stress and nerves.

I am from hearing anger and sarcasm.

I am from observing distraction and frustration.

I am from curing perfectionism and pessimism.

 

I am from an undying love of books.

I am from mountains of t- shirts, 

That were made for 9-year old boys.

I am from unfinished fanfics,

And forgotten story ideas.

I am from sudden inspiration,

And lack of motivation.

 

I am from flying under the radar, 

Although I wish to stand out.

I am from rainbows and doubts.

I’m from the ropes around my waist,

That keep me from trying new things.
 I’m from, “Don’t say that near the family.”

I am from the fear of embarrassment,

And fear of myself.

 

I am from love and support.

I am from loud singing,

And constant piano playing.

I am from hugs and snuggles.

I am from bad dad jokes,

And the cynical comments I love.

 

I am from a family of bad handwriting.

I am from a family of tech.

I am from a family of flaws.

I am from a family of love.

 

both apart of Liberty Township.

I am from raking leaves and doing yard work with my dad

to flag football and fire pits outside.

I’m from the sweet smell of moms homemade chili on a breezy

Saturday while watching football.

Always waking up early for Sunday church,

then hurrying home and watching the Bengals games.

I am from snow forts and snow days. 

Shoveling the driveway with my older brother 

and after, having a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

From outside to inside, playing board games 

and ping pong, watching movies with my dad. 

I am from decorating the Christmas tree while listening 

to Christmas music and watching Elf.

I’m from hitting baseballs in the basement

and tossing in the back yard.

From baseball season just around the corner.

I am from these moments.

From marelle and cache-cache, 

Plantains and Brown Rice 

Filter the room with a hasty tang of Africa. 

I am from immense feet and towering legs, 

From a wide variety of sweat, 

That falls down my face as I play the game I'm required to love. 

Foreigners. 

As Masengu and Jean-Felly laugh,  

We sing Frere Jacque 

Voices drowning out thick accents and wrong lyrics. 

 

I'm from partaking the body and blood, 

And a four second dip in water 

To come in covenant with the Almighty. 

From deranged hairs, concealed under pristine strands. 

Rain checks and not now's,  I stomp upstairs, 

They worship a spirit in the heavenly realms. 

 

I am from school goals and family roles, 

Afraid of only becoming a trophy. 

The First Amendment, 

Does not apply to my existence. 

Dreams, Visions and Hopes, 

Crushed under the bricks of reality. 

Trust that isn't visible to the human eye, 

And is somewhere in the corner of my mind 

Unwanted, Misused. 

 

I am from silent shrieks and blaring timidity, 

Bundled up in me, unsaid words 

Above the filth and rage, 

Lies a shiny smile. 

 

                               -SL 

 

By: Gabbie Boehm

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