From Aldi’s

And Samsung

I am from the small apartment up the stairs, cozy yet shrinking

It felt lonely and cold during the day but it comes alive with warmth at night when everybody comes home

The rainwater that watered hopes and dreams from childhood

I’m from the game nights on Tuesday and the Christmas candy made each year

From great grandma Hildagard and Deb; my mom

And Grandma Barb

I’m from the dark wild hair and shrinking forms

I’m from freedom to do what we please where it's okay to not to be christian

I’m from California and Germany with Polish Sausage and Cabbage and homemade BBQ 

From Hildagard who stayed in Germany being forced to run spotlights during the war while her family came to America

From Barb who led her dream of being a waitress and still went to college until she couldn’t be a waitress anymore

I am from the alleys and penthouses, the new and the old, and the supportive women of the Blessent and Jeske family.