I am from nostalgic books.

My entertainment and childhood companions,

Freedom and illusion,

Fiction is where I am from.

***

I am from, “Why aren’t you trying harder.”

And “I am proud of you.”

From my Dad and Mom

Saying, “You can do better.” and “You are enough.”

**”

I am from hospital visits,

Unwanted pain and healing,

Breathing hard under a heated blanket and searching for strength,

The power to keep moving is where I am from.

***

I am my Mom’s art,

Dad’s stubbornness,

My sister’s creativity,

The hymns at church is where I am from.