I’m from loud get togethers
people yelling
but not because they’re mad.

I am from pasta every day
hot dogs as a treat
dusting the house every Saturday
keeping the house neat.

I am from the Atari 2600
from the original Nintendo
and a VCR for movie rentals.

I am from road hockey
from long bike rides
and late nights just walking around.

I’m from Church on Sundays
espresso afterwards
and giant lunches that keep you full to bedtime.

I’m from my parents branches
from the war my grandfathers fought in
the grandmothers who ran the households
to the work ethic they all taught me.
There are many pictures in my home
all memories of the good times
and a reminder of what I left behind.

I know where I’m from
and I’m still figuring out
where I’m going.