Where I'm From

modeled after George Ella Lyon

I am from Boy George and Culture Club
Quiet Riot and “Cum on feel the Noise
Girls rock your boys
We’ll get Wild Wild Wild”
I am from Day to Night Barbie
She can be anything
I am told I can be too.

I am from Macaroni and Cheese
Raman Noodles
McDonald’s and Search for Tomorrow
Never in the present,
But living in a soap opera
Even in 2nd grade
No reruns and lots of drama
Lunchtime with Mom who works nights at the hospital
I am from being overwhelmed by other kids energies in the cafeteria
But feeling safe at home.

I am from hunting with Alivia
That didn’t mean killing animals
Rather exploring neighbors
Backyards in the heart of Michigan
Winters our footprints tracks
Of guilt in the snow.

I am from my blanket
With a corner for each family

I am from a gunite pool
Underground in ground
Popular girl in town
Mom floating on her raft
Doesn’t go underwater
Because of her face

I am from “Hista Napa Buska Nama!”
Smell your belly button xxxxface
From my only words of Finnish
To the pasties made of meat and potatoes

I am from the Midwest
Middle of Nowhere
“Somewhere, there’s a place for us”
I am from Barbra Streisand dreams
Sewing some Jewish seams
Finding humor in tragedy
Laughing through my sister’s death
Dark comedy in NYC
Transforming strife to find new life.

I am from Seaweeds
To comfort me
Mermaid dolls floating
On sponges
I wanted to be the Little mermaid who floated away
Transformed from sea
Foam into a daughter of the air
Here is my unrequited love
I am ready!!

I am from rebelling against
My father’s teaching
Being an artist instead of a scientist
Believing in God, going against his grain
I am from scattered fantasies
Told to me in childhood
Still holding onto hope
Like Pandora
Watching the bird take
Flight among the evil
Unleashed through myth.