I Am From...

I am from the last house on the left
From someplace in a small town
From the suburbs of that small town.

I am from the autumn leaves
From the unforgiving New England winters
From ruthless weather in general
From the melancholy woodlands at night
From the aroma of dew in the morning.

I am from the famines overseas
and from the hills of Rome.

I am from cats and dogs and from cars and frogs
From bats shrieking and a birds chirping
From blaring my music over yipping coyotes.

I am from geeks and musicians
From magical mornings after quiet car rides
From persecuted and browbeaten
From pride and poetry when there's nothing left to cling to.

I am from modest and honorable friends
From a community of acceptance
From intelligent and knowledgeable foes
From unyielding and tattered heroes
From joyful and loving family.