I’m from cartwheels
on dewy clovers
climbing trees
in dirty sneakers
from dusty chalk hopscotch
S-L-O-W-L-Y fading in the rain.
I’m from honking cars
From an apartment building
In a sea of houses.

I’m from Taco Thursdays
And Pizza Fridays
Chick’n nuggets
Watching Jeopardy at 7
While eating mac n’ cheese.
I’m from pasta with butter
and salt.
From frozen yogurt
With gummy bears
Saving the red ones
for last.

I’m from Naomi
Galloping around Bologna Town
Our made-up fantasy world
I’m from 7 grandparents
One no more than a step away,
While two are in Texas, prickly pears
all around, and two are in L.A. —
sandy beaches
smoothie bowls
And two Upstate
With stockings for each of us
And a giant Christmas tree
Bejeweled with blond angels
And white lights.
I’m from Marlo,
Who left for Australia
When we were three.
Now she’s back,
Carrying an accent
on her shoulders.

I’m from Oy oy oys and
“Oopsies!” I am
Pickles and Pooch and Puppyo.
What’s for dinner?
I’m from Wubba Nubs,
Jelly Cat bunnies
and Sashini.

Hidden away
Under piles of graphic novels
Sits a journal
Embroidered with spring flowers
Pouring emotions
Poems written to pass time
When nobody is there to comfort me.