I am from indoor gnomes and quilts,
The color red, my dog-child Daisy
And photographs of people alive and dead

I am from Mr. Mingo, the fountain
Patchy old grass, lumpy under my feet
A Rose bush arbor, and a stoic Samurai

I am from children on bikes in multiple languages
“Can I pet your dog?”
and revving engines every Friday night

I am from Deutschland, Gina
Team Howard, Team Kelley and little baby Carson
Friends who are family, and family that are friends

I am from “CARROOLLL”
“Glub, Glub, Sting!”
teasing laughter
and flared nostrils

I am from kase spaetzle,
Hefeweizen (never in the bottle)
Snitzle, and spitzbooben bars

I am from a scrapbook of memories
Tagged Myspace images
And photographs tucked away for safekeeping