Essence

I am from leisurely evenings
Eating Mac N Cheese in the lazy autumn air
I am from trapping lizards
In the barely-summery mornings
Where they'd sun themselves
With scaly cobalt bellies
I am from waking up to the cries of
Pudgy baby birds covered in smoky down
I am from the twisted oak tree
And perching in it where the ants would crawl
I am from quiescent, silent car rides at night
From wishing on stars
Amidst the twinkling rain
I am from driving to my grandparents' house
And hearing the freight trains at night
I am from writing my favorite things in my white journal
Watching the pages fill up year after year
Full of my memories and essence