Where Im From

I am from handmade quilts that lay on our beds,

From antique jewelry, and shelves

of family photos.

I am from a broken family, court rooms and tears. 

But also from smiles and laughter

with occasional fears.

I am from the large cactus my father fell into.

 Together we

pull the spins from his hands.

I am from slippery pool floors, and camera flashes,

from Grandmother and Granddaddy.

I am from shaky independence as the air plane lifted off the ground

to my sister far from home.

I am from yelling and love.

From treating others as I would be treated

and the sweet welcoming smell of home.

I am from holy water and scripture.

I am from horses and mountains. 

from hot dirt and the cold creek.

I am from those moments-

snapped before I budded-

leaf-fall from the family tree.