On a Day That Started My Journey with Poetry (an Assignment for Class)

I am from....

I am from my mother's piano,

the piano that spoke melodies to me like secrets only we understood.

I am from I Love Lucy reruns snuggled on my mother's lap.

I am from "mommy I don't want to grow up" and "sweetie you sing just like your daddy."

I am from our maple tree

growing unshakeable roots in a place I will always call home.

I am from How Great Thou Art

and thank you Lord for a multitude of blessings.

I am from "our Michaela Rose, between two thorns." Two thorns as complicated and sweet and annoying as two thorns can be.

I am from Grandma Guiffrida.

The struggle of a Great Depression and of wars and a husband stricken with Parkinson's weighing heavy on her life.

A descendent of "the greatest generation" I inherit her strength.

I am from "your grandpa was a hunter" and "boy could your grandma cook!"

I am from tragedies and triumphs and ordinary days and extraordinary people,

culminating in tears and laughter and the things that make up a life.

I am from "Michaela, will you marry me?"

I am from "yes, but I'm afraid."

I am from "Am I a burden?" and "Why did this happen?" and "You're still together?"

Questions that plague me in my dreams and my nightmares and in every waking moment.

Questions that seep into the essence of my being like a growing cancer that manifests itself in blame and doubt.

I am from "I love you."

I am from "There's always hope."

I am from "God has a plan for you."

I am from "You inspire me."

I am from the good that outweighs the evil in my life.

I am from the vibrant tapestry of people and things and places across time and space that make my life what it is…

And it is beautitul.