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My Uncle's Burning Hot Deck
I am from Sundays on my uncle’s brown deck,
burning my feet standing by the pool, scared of the brisk water.
I am from the days spent with family on that deck...
the sunburns a warm memory.
I am from the fence me and my cousins hit wiffle balls over for a Home Run derby.
The itchy feeling from rolling under the fence to get balls.
I am from the playset in the back corner with the wasp nests taunting us.
From the slide that shocked me.
I am from Friday nights on the floor after the sofas have been filled,
watching and listening to my family and the TV at the same time.
I am from the roast, biscuits, and cheesy potatoes Grandma cooked.
Trying to hear conversations from the kids table.
I am from looking over on the field to see my family lined up with lawn chairs.
Culver’s after a game with Grandma and Grandpa.
I am from watching my cousins hockey and baseball,
screaming like a hyena, purposefully embarrassing them.
I am from the third pew watching Grandpa share his heart and passion,
his preaching molding me like clay.
I am from waiting a million hours for mom to stop talking.
Playing football on the blacktop outside the church.
I am from saving spots in a mile long line outside a venue,
dancing and singing with my family once inside.
I am from the nights driving home,
where I should have been home an hour ago.
I am from the waiting room in the hospital.
Seeing new life and watching it grow like a flower blooming.
I am from watching my family weep over death,
but learning how to stay strong and hopeful.
I am from a family that people think are too close.
From a family more like friends.
I am from a family that has been a cornerstone.
One that I will always be grateful for.
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