Inspired By George Ella Lyons Poem, "Where I'm From"
I am from squishing grapes in papaws orchard then getting in trouble for it.
I am from Uncle Harley driving me sideways up hills in his clunkety car, hollering Yee Haw the whole way.
I am from the sweaty, red-faced preacher screaming about hell and the member I refer to as , Back Off George, who insisted I go to the altar.
I am from huge globe earrings in the 5th grade that sparked my teachers comment, “she has the whole world in her ears.”
I am from hearing my papaw say, “down in the valley” and always wondering what he meant.
I am from loafing farmers sitting in the country store whom I secretly made fun of at my first job.
I am from the many births and deaths involving the variety of pets I had as a child.
I am from painting “No Snipe Hunting” signs and bare feet.
I am from my dad mispronouncing caramel every time he drove through McDonalds.
I am from my boyfriend, fish tailing his car around a curve until he hit the only tree.
I am from all of these things, all these things that made me.