Where I'm From

I am from arguments,
From sarcasm and dirty jokes.
I am from witty comments
From long summer nights and bedtimes not enforced.
I am from safety that wasn't always safe.

I am from divorce and single motherhood.
From endless struggles and hearty laughter.
From a love of animals and a distrust of people.
I am from a blue room with a secret shelf.
Where a child hides and trembles.

I am from social awkwardness
And never quite fitting in.
From a monster under the bed,
But the real one's down the hall.
I am from love and hatred, too closely tied.

I am from running around wildly
From mud pies and climbing great trees.
I am from always being the baby
And always being too slow.
I am from life moving too fast and be a kid while you can.

I am from the leaf in Autumn
Colours changing and air cooling
As I slowly crumble and fall.