I am from the 601,

       262, and 853.

      I am from the suburbs, comfortable and quiet. 

         I am from the park, and friends’ backyards. 

   Where the fun sometimes ends in a middle school war,

       and “you better not come home after dark.”

        Feet hit the pedals and zoom up the hill, 

      giving my endorphins a bit of a thrill.

    Where Penbrook meets Hartbrook, 

     and the lights flicker after dark.

                           I am from the hardwood,

diamond, and yes even the gridiron. 

Where the losses are endless, monstrous, and 

          wins are a logical fallacy.

    However, the travel from state to state, 

          gave me experiences well beyond my years. 

    And a quote I will always remember, 

“You’ll forget the score, but you’ll remember the fun”

   Memories have been made in Omaha, Battle Creek, and even 

            Chicago’s Southside.  

I am from the pews,

    all of them are aligned in a row. 

                                  I am from Sister Bay, where the Chicago yachts are

      stored for someone else’s use. 

 I am from the farm, where the cow goes, “MOO” 

            and you better listen to the farm rules. 

                                       I am from the gym, stadium, field, and park, 

            the best times were under the lights in the dark.