2 - Taylor L: I Am From

  

Word Count: 361

I am from the rolling, golden hills

The sun rises from river banks and sunsets from the ocean

I am from the little grey house by the park, the maple tree out front,

The rope swing, and the pavement I road my bike, responsible for many scraped knees

I am from many other houses now

Many different places and people I chose to call home

 

I am from the morning dew on the soccer fields, the whistle blows on volleyball courts,

And the tingling sensation of  diving into the pool, all on an early Saturday morning

I am from the ringing church bells, my knees pushed into pews,

And the faith and prayer for my loved ones

I am from the imaginary lands,

All inspired from friends and the hundreds of books that filled my head

 

I am from the hushed laughter at 1 am with friends

The endless sleepless nights and the overwhelming aroma of nail polish 

I am from the spontaneous car rides, my Mom saying, “Let’s just go” 

Leaving the rest of the night filled with memories, music, and reminiscing

I am from the 5 O’clock dinner before my Dad leaves to work

And the sitcoms, news, and America’s Funniest Home Videos we’d watch whilst eating

 

I am from the traditions of my family

Swimming at Grammy’s pool, playing cards at Grandma and Grandpa’s

Gathering around the kids table at Thanksgiving much to my dislike,

The unwrapping of Christmas presents with my cousins months later made up for it 

I am from the weariness and excitement of setting up tents,

Our annual Father’s Day camping trip sure to be better than the last one

 

I am from the perseverance and determination

Brought on by all the stress of school and extracurriculars laid to rest on my shoulders

I am from the long days at campus

Studying, planning student events, and putting in work on the courts

I am from the aspirations and goals I set for myself

One day I’ll fulfill my dreams of academic and athletic excellence

 

Until then I remain from my  previous experiences

The opportunities in the future will serve to shape who I am