I am from Laundromats,
from Clorox, All Temp-A-Cheer, and wooden clothespins.
I am from the single-wide trailer with a splintery porch,
a closet-sized bedroom and paper-thin walls.
I am from the crooked apple tree in front and bushy wild rhubarb in back.
I am from the flea market after church and forever bargaining,
from Grandpa Doc & Grandma Minnie, and the Parkers in Texas.
I am from the glasses by junior high and gray hair by 21;
From elbows off the table and chew with your mouth closed.
I am from the Church of the Nazarene each Sunday,
Jesus Loves Me and clay pigeon candle holders;
From bookmarks for memorizing Genesis through Malachi.
From the times Grandpa went AWOL, Hey Mr. Bakery Man!
and stories about sleepwalking.
I am from shoeboxes in Grandma's cedar chest,
filled with pieces of gold & silver
disguised as photos and letters.
Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are & wherever you're from
