Where I'm From

I am from the smell of fried pig and eggs on Saturday morning, from Ogilvie home perms when we were younger.

I am from south of the airport, north of the big chicken, and just below the Mason Dixon line, where love was felt and needs were met.

I am from schefflera plants and magnolia trees, honeysuckle vines and bumble bees.

I am from summers at the beach and light hearted laughter, from June and Ray and Evelyn and Charles.

I am from a hard working father and the tender lovin care of my mother.

From call when you get home, I love you. From Charlene and Lynn the ben the butter bean.

I am from John 3:16 and Baptist church pews. “God is great, God is good” and “now I lay me down to sleep”. I’m from Sunday afternoons spent with grandma and the aunts.

I’m from the dirty south, the great peach state. I’m from sweet tea and fried veggies for dinner, popcorn and cold Coca Cola for late night snack.

From the Rich’s store downtown where he had his first job, he was friends with her brother and they fell in love.

I’m from the big barrel drum covered in cloth, old shoe boxes and leftover old popcorn tins full of laughter and good times. The coffee table I broke doing cartwheels in the living room. Forgiveness and warm hearts, perseverance and redemption.