I am from walks to the Boys and Girls Club,

a moment I learned to look both ways.

Boring mornings 3I spent watching Good Morning America waiting for my sister to wake.

Cruising down I-94 and pulling into Dairy Queen, I sold a secret to my sister for a melting, marvelous, man-made ice cream cone.

Downtown businesses closing shop, I sauntered to the dollar section.

Evenings my family and I traveled to the drive-thru movie theater to catch a glimpse of a double feature.

Finding spare change at the bottom of a playground slide, I forged my idea of wealth.

Giving money, I smile at homeless people.

I am from a mirage of

h a p p y   e n d i n g s

in reruns of Princess and the Pauper.

Jesters point to “not every story ends in a fairytale.”

Kaleidoscopes of sleepless nights as I lay alone wrapped in my animal blankie.

Learning my brother had run away from home; we found him at the local Kwik Trip.

My moment I forgot to step off the yellow, yelling, youthful school bus which prompted my babysitters to belittle me.

Never ignoring the disappointed voice in my head telling me “you will never be enough.”

I am from smiles and laughs which tickle my stomach, each giggle begging to exit.

Over enthusiasm as I was awarded third place at my first forensics meet.

Playing the flute with Brandi, the world fading away in a matter of two seconds as we immersed ourselves into new musical endeavours.

Quarrels emerging evidently as my sister and I argue with one another for a bicycle helmet.

Running down my driveway after I hopped off the bus, monstrous mosquitos nip at my calves as I swat them away.

Streaks of blue hair gush through blond locks.

Tetherball tournaments lasting hours until a victor was crowned.

Uncontrollable laughing lingering from my mother’s office as I chased my friends down the hall.

I am from anxious nail biting as self doubt trembles through my body.

Vows of secrets being torn apart as one expands their own personal agenda, stomping on broken promises.

Wordless days while an elephant resides in my vocal chords, ceasing possible sounds.

X marking the spot of when I discovered smiles do not tell the truth of happiness, but rather a fib of contentment.

Yearning for something greater, yet my fingertips failing to grasp anything worthwhile.

Zipping through conversations to avoid the discussion of emotions.

I am from everywhere and nowhere.

A moment I learned the importance of glancing both ways before crossing the street.

Zipping through any conversation I have to avoid the discussion of emotions.