I Am From The Lazy River and Tofu Stir-fries

I am from naked Barbie’s and tiny trolls,
From swimming in the lazy river, drying
Our wet bodies on the hot road.
I am from the earth, the clay squelching 
Between my bare toes
From Swiss chard and ripe tomatoes

 I am from Beanie babies and scratchy pink tutus
Scarves in tow
From the rusted yellow truck and the old MG.
I am from Muzi, Bami, Norman and Ramona
From treat others the way you want to be treated
And the twisted climbing tree.

 I am from hot tubing in the rain and snow
From faeries and unicorns and cats and dogs.
I am from the scary woods dense with the unknown,
From tofu stir-fries and one pot mystery dinners.

 I am from the early bird gets the worm
And it’s never to late to try
From acting as prince charming and musicals
I am from the Blacklidge’s and the Pecor’s  
From camping in the summer, skiing and
Snow dances in the winter

 I am from hardworking parents
From Bob Dylan and the Beatles
I am from belly laughs and silent tears
From the younger sister but the older too

 I am from homemade parades, Greenee and Rapapa
And no boys allowed
From reading Redwall and Harry Potter
On humid summer nights
I am from Pattulo Way, strawberry shortcake on my birthday
From I love you and good night kisses.
Home videos and photo albums line the shelves
Boxes of keep-sakes lay remembered in the attic
I am from those moments
Captured forever in my heart and mind.

 -- Shannon Blacklidge