I am from great escapes
and padlocks to prevent them
I am from evergreens and
the smell of pine cones
I am from trees-you-don't-climb
that were climbed anyways

I am from “hideous cake” and “family party”
From bargaining genes and stubborn genes
I am from beloved dogs and rats
From “No, you can't have a snake!”
And “Yes, you can have a praying mantis”

I am from My Book of Bible Stories
From the truths of the Bible
and making them my own

I am from three boys in the house
(four if you count Dad)
From bugs and sticks
and blanket forts

I am from a household united
through allergies
through colds
through family trips
through adventures
and love that never ends