I am from Barbie dolls,

from wooden blocks and Monopoly

I am from the sand pit in the back yard.

(Blond, gritty- it was filled with Tonka trucks.)

I am from the big pine tree

in the woods behind the house

where we played Lost in Space

and Kick the Can.

 

I am from banana curls

and frilly dresses at Easter.

I am from long bike rides to Walden Pond

with my brother and the twins.

I am from macaroni and cheese on Friday nights,

 hot dogs and beans on Saturdays

and dinners at grandparents on Sundays.

 

I am from Pat and Ben and Nana

with her funny laugh.

I am from “Wait until your father gets home”

 “Be a leader, not a follower”

“You Are My Sunshine” and “Goodnight Irene”.

 

I am from the trunk in the attic filled with trophies,

love letters and Ms. Magazines.

 

I am these memories-they live inside my soul.