From Where?

I am from a suburb of cornfields; a mid-sized town in the middle of the midwest. A landscape informed by hot summer days and frigid winter nights. I am from entertaining myself for the twenty minute walk to and from school. Both sides of an argument becoming apparent as I told my stories.

I am from raspberry picken’ and rhubarb cuttin’. Making canning and freezing a way of life. I am from velveta macaroni and cheese and burnt hamburgers. Making onion-cinnamon spaghetti and forgetting about those leftovers.

I am from a two-story cape cod with an burnt orange front door. For a while there, a great navigational landmark. I am from being kicked outside “cause it’s too nice to stay indoors.” Gracefulness yielding summers full of bruised knees, scraped elbows and the occasional black eye.

I am from solving for X. Finding peace and comfort that there is a right answer, even if it was just within a limited range of circumstances. I am from breakfast for dinner and when ever else we could squeeze manage. The first lessons in breaking stupid rules seeming so innocent.

I am from Sue and George, Avis and Larry, Grandpa B and Grandma B. I am Squid’s dedicated pain in the ass. I was Buffy’s afternoon napping partner. I am from throwing sarcasm around to indicate feeling. Any feeling at all.

I am from going in the same door you went out. Yes, even if you have to walk around the house to get there. I am from preparing for a fire and sleeping sideways on a bed. In by the street lights and tucked away by nine - no matter the season.

I am from chasing fireflys and picking up acorns. Planting in cast iron pots - another art I’ve lost. I am from music as background noise. Making a joyful noise as enjoy the acoustical benefits of tile.

I am from perversely independent as the only lifestyle choice. Expecting shit to go bad is always so healthy and so much fun. I am from dinner as a family, even if you don’t say anything. I never did learn how to sit in a chair ‘properly’.

I am from driving alone at sixteen, one month and one day. Darkness fell early in winter. I am from riding my bike to Hooks without telling anyone. And falling off my bike in the middle school parking lot.

I am from getting up in the morning even if it makes you want to cry. There are people out there expecting your very best. I am from brave smiles and happy faces.Which never seemed to fool anyone.

I am from the yearbook and the speech team. How much time you have to get there becoming more important than the presence of a plan. I am from the generalized geeks. Never stepping too far off of any one cliff.

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inspired by Kathy Howe