Where I’m From

I’m from dead end roads and International Harvester

From man-made lakes and homes built into hills

Bonfire pits and roasting marshmallows

I’m from cheese curds and root beers stands

I’m from Barbies and bike rides

Lilac trees and Pine Cone Road

I’m from Cory and Topanga, Tia and Tamera

American Girl Dolls, Caddie Woodlawn and Laura Ingalls

I’m from football fields and baseball diamonds

Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks

I’m from Friday Night Lights and tailgate parties

Prom Kings and Homecoming Queens

I’m from Golden Bears and broadcast trucks

Pregame interviews and halftime recaps

I’m from the Friendly Confines and Bleacher Bums

From street festivals, the L and Argyle Street

I’m from Minnesota Nice and the State Fair

Sweet Sweet Martha’s and Mini Donut brews

Cabin culture and summer Fridays

I’m from Grand Ole Days and Winter Carnivals

I’m from the court of Maya Moore and KG

All Eyes North and Our House

Where Flip rests in peace on a banner

And women wear championship rings

I’m from tanlines and sunburns

Leading to biopsies and excisions

The scars that keep accumulating despite hearing

I’m too young for cancer

I’m from Capitol Hill and Lights of Hope

The worst club with the best members

I’m writing my own story because

I’m from a place where every voice matters

I’m from all of these things

Yet they are still not all of me

Ever evolving, continually growing

This is just where I’m from