I am from flannel,
From hide and seek and shooting stars.
I am from giving it all you got,
From determination and will power,
From fortitude and purpose.

I am from the shadows
From the gloominess of a funeral home,
The tranquility of the elder man who
was such an immense part of my life,
Then disappeared so abruptly.

I am from internal beauty,
From chubby cheeks and a permanent lipstick
stain from Aunt Kim.
I am from heartbreaks,
From first kisses and holding on.

I am from obtaining the wisdom
from witnessing my moms imperfections,
From dependency and infatuation,
Forgiving and forgetting.
I am from those recollections of my youth that define me still today.