I am from the small town Ohio
Where my roots were planted and began
Uprooted and pulled north to the unfamiliar mitten
I am from the garden of fresh dirt where I began to bloom
I am from many church benches
None comparing to the one left behind
From the children’s bulletin filled with activities
I am from the dollar quietly tossed into the offering plate
I am from the time outs and “because I said so”
Warm embraces and prayers before the light was turned out
Giving advice because I am the self-appointed mother
I am from the three younger siblings who fill each day with quarrels
and laughter
I am from the cottage nestled in the dunes
The sandy bare feet and sunsets on the lake
Weekly Bible verses and blue moon ice-cream on Friday nights
I am from the beach which I call home
I am from the regretted moments
Ones I wish I could replay
From the submersion in Lake Michigan with the waves taking my guilt away
I am from the hope of second and third chances
I am from the dresses and bows
The glitter and vibrant colors touched with a smile
The longing to be a princess and be rescued from my tower
I am from the fairy tale with the ending unwritten
Love, Hannah
xoxo
