Where I'M From Poem by Jacob Sartain

I’m from toe head white hair and shovel shaped Native American teeth,
To always wanting a brother but only getting four sisters.
I’m from treacherous, backyard adventures climbing the weathered willow,
To crackling wood on an icy, pitch black winter night.

I’m from constructing castles of snow in the blistering cold,
To crisp autumn breezes blowing swirls of motley rust colored leaves all around.
I’m from temperate summer nights, starring at the tapestry of glistening stars twinkling,
To shoveling the heavy snow off the driveway to make some cash,
To playing football on thanksgiving on freshly cut grass.

I’m from a loud, but fun loving Italian family,
That always drives to church on God’s day.
I’m from a house where a basketball is always bouncing,
And straight A’s are expected.

I’m from a house that loves to party,
And live every second to its fullest.
I’m from Saturdays spent at the beach, showing off my skim boarding,
To hiking up jagged mountains that pierce the crystal blue sky.

I’m from Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida,
Diverse, climates, of extremes
I’m from my Pietro and Paris ancestors that came from Europe
Without a penny in their cold, calloused, hard-working hands
To bestow upon me a hard-working attitude to be successful in life.

I’m from early Saturday morning basketball competitions,
To twilight soccer matches under the blinding stadium lights.
I’m from toasty hot season nights huddling around a dim fire roasting gooey marshmallows,
To fall days listening to the florid leaves crunch under our feet crunch, crunch, crunch.

I’m from restless nights hanging my head over homework,
To the wonderful burst of freshness when I plummet into the luminous water of my pool.
I’m from unconcerned days lying in a complacent chair beneath the blazing sun,
At the oceanfront during vacation,
To thrilling days at amusement parks.

I’m from homegrown gleamy vegetables simmering over a sizzling flame,
Aromas in air, people hungry, make their way to the table,
To just acting like myself and having a blast till I die.