Where I'm From - Emily

I am from dirt roads and black tops.

Where the hay grows in the bar ditch and cows peek through barbed wire fences. 

A place where the stars are so bright that day looks like night.

I am from Yes sir and yes ma'am.

Take you hat off to greet a lady and clean your boots at the door.

I am from alcohol and anger.

Where glass shatters on the front porch and nothing else matters. 

I am from strength and pain.

Where you have to be strong for those who can't be strong for themselves. 

I am from misunderstanding and fights.

Not a day goes by when the arguments don't arise and the tears don't fall. 

I am from I love you and good night

I am from cookies and pies.

Can-do cookies covered in colorful icing and topped with sprinkles never fail to excite.

I am from hugs and waves good bye.

I am greeted with a hug when I arrive and she waves from the door as I drive away.

I am from a child like wonder and an aging body.

Where the belief in Santa never ends just as the pain of age never stops. 

I am from laughter and quilt squares.

Cross stitches, fabric, and spools of thread. 

I am from typewriters and office days. 

Where a memo pad sets by the phone and stack of files waits patiently on the desk.

I am from singing and roses.

Where you could hear her over everyone else and the rose on her grave. 

I am from rodeos and studios.

Late nights, good friends, and talent.

I am from eyeliner and bandaids.

Where you can hide the pain and no one will ever know. 

I am from I love you, but you don't love me.

From I am everything you need but nothing you want. 

I am from creativity and the unknown.

Paints, brushes, and a blank canvas. 

I am from wondering and realization. 

Where nothing is handed to you and you work for what you have. 

I am from "where the sidewalk ends."

Where things are magic.

Where reality is a constant threat on imagination.

and "where the moon bird rests from his flight to cool in the peppermint wind."