Where I’m From

Just an asignment from my English class-- a poem filled out using the basic template of George Ella Lyons poem of the same title.

I am from twirly dresses, from Duplo and Pokémon.
I am from the backyard town Creekside Roxaboxen, (muddy after a rain, decorated with pieces of yarn, and the constant fear of the poison ivy that grew there every summer.)
I am from climbing the Willow tree; the backyard forest and creek that never failed to provide endless escapades tromping through chasing butterflies and eating sour gooseberries.

I am from the Claes Family Christmas and brunettes with brown eyes (not quite sure how that one worked out…), from Dale and Kathy, farmers and city folk.
I am from tightwads and those who love to eat.
From “Play your piano!” and “No you can’t play with friends until your math is done!”
I am from the God who is Mighty To Save, learning Bible verses with the help of a bear cub, a firefly, and a boy with 313 ½ freckles.

I’m from Orange City and Czechoslovakia, Crazy Crust Pizza and kolaches.
I’m from my father showing pigs at the O’Brian county fair in July, Iowa State Fair in August, and Clay county fair in September, the Monster Club that included Frankenstein, Dracula, and my mother, the bat.
I’m from the scrapbooks at Grandma’s house, filled to bursting with pictures, newspaper clippings, hand written notes, Christmas cards, and memories.
I am from those photographs locking forever in time those moments that tell my story and remind me of where I’m from.