Where I'm From
I'm from the mountains,
Coal mines,
A little country church,
A coal company house,
Wooden slats, faded and weathered,
Covered with coal dust,
Just as my father's lungs were.
I'm from Rhododendron,
White roses and daisies,
Blackberries and ginseng,
Polk salad greens and turnips,
All within easy reach.
I am from Scottish clans,
Grandmothers with German heritage,
Native American bloodlines,
Hard working, strong, determined,
Proud and intelligent,
Stern and compassionate people.
I am from a new generation,
Moving forward,
Learning from the past,
Traditions handed down,
Along with secret failures,
Hidden behind claims of success.
I am from "You can be anything if you work hard enough."
"God forgives those who ask forgiveness."
"Treat others as you want to be treated."
I am from home churned butter,
Undershirts worn from October to May,
Vicks Vapor Rub to cure what ails you.
I am from Black Gold country,
Filled with biscuits and gravy,
Taters and ramps,
Chased with swigs of moonshine.
I am from great-grandparents planting tobacco,
Grandparents surviving the Great Depression,
Parents who wanted a better life for their children.
I am from the scent of my grandmother's kitchen,
Family gathered around a hand hewn table,
A worn Bible she carried,
Sounds of music intermingled with laughter,
Echoing through time.
I am from the universe,
Serving a purpose,
Filling a need,
Holding a hand,
Breaking a heart,
Mending wounds,
Teaching life's lessons,
Carrying on traditions,
For generations yet to come.
