I Am From Poem by April Michelle

I am from farmland-drenched suburbs, from sheep and noisy chickens, twelve miles via Dallas, and the deepest of 'ten-mile' creeks. I am from the L. I am from my dad's stubborn mind, from skipping school and mom's sweet voice, from those four white walls, parakeets, and leather-bound furniture.

I am from estrangement. I am from the square of 'Bonnie and Clyde', the cross street, the other ‘Bluff, the south side, and all the houses on Winn-Dixie Lane. I am from dorm rooms, paved roads, and the Have It Your Way situation. I am from saying adios. I am from the Little Tigers, Lady Bugs, and No Fear, rockin' out at the City Park, from truth or dare at Lake Joe, cinema shows, pranks, and the dreadful Red Hatter Tea Room. I am from night flying. I am from best friends, and no friends, from driving up 20 for secrets, from dying of a broken spirit. I am from carelessness, and worry.

I am from my own. I am from 'I only need you', traveling by wheels, pedals, LAX to Malibu, Chevy Blue, Old Blue, and that Purple Beast. I am from rodeos, Elsie Robertson and the Internet; I am from wishing for content. I am from the academy, nurseries and that second floor space, from bottles and shushing, bright hungry eyes, booming creativity, achy fingers and sticky legs, I am from protecting.

I am from inspiration from him, and from her.

© 2010 April Michelle