I am from poem

I am from
A place that isn’t glamorous like New York City
Nebraska-where is that again?
cow country, football country, corn country
I am from
Midwestern values of kindness & simplicity; a place where people say hi to strangers on the
street

I am from
cottonwood trees lining the creek behind my house; creating a soothing sound with each breeze.
Exploring the concrete sewers draining the creek at the base of those trees.
Sledding down the large hill at the base of the playground of Holling Heights elementary.

I am from
being able to walk home from my elementary school if I forgot something.
I am from
a combined 70+ years of “How can I help you?” “Let me take that out for you.”
working my way through school & paying for my first home.

I am from
Abel Hall where the immaturity got old the 2nd year; Pound where I, as the RA, was the only
one up to no good.
I am from
gaining confidence; persuading others; interpreting literature; laughter and tears on bus rides;
exhaustion on planes home.

I am from
my cookie-cutter house; the cornfield across the street.

I am from
Standing Bear Lake, my peace, my quiet; sun sparkling like a million photographers trying to capture the sky.
I am from
room 126; challenges & opportunities, successes & failures, memories.