I am from my cul de sac where we used to play on the hot and hazy summer days

With baseball bats and hide-and-go-seek, playing until the night sky rolled in

I am from the hand-me-downs and skinned knees, a street filled with all boys, teaching me how to be tough and strong

I am from a childhood of adventure and imagination, playing spy and pretending to be a baseball star

I am from the cul de sac where we used to play, on the hot and hazy summer days

 

I am from both an independent and dependent family, one that loves adventure and thrives on remaining true to ourselves

I am from the strength of my grandmothers, confident and classic, from women who worked hard for their family, and who fought for every day

I am from sucking it up, and moving on. I grew up knowing that you won't always get what you want, so work hard and get over those bumps in the road

I am from everything happens for a reason, but that is no excuse to be lazy.

I am from constant smiles and laughter, and finding every possible way to make my friends and family’s day a little brighter

I am from my Dad’s corny jokes and my Mom’s wisdom

I am from my brothers adventurous lifestyle and hidden feelings

I am from a house that wasn’t perfect, from a family that still conquers obstacles every day

I am from both an independent and dependent family, one that loves adventure and thrives on remaining true to ourselves

 

I am from family dinners and conversations, the clank of pots and rattle of dishes

I am from the smell of garlic, an ingredient that is never in short supply

I am from the sizzling steaks and steamy mashed potatoes

I am from the family dinners and conversations, the constant battle of who is on clean-up duty

I am from the sound of popped corks and laughter

Passionate conversations and stubborn thoughts

I am from family dinners and conversations, the clank of pots and rattle of dishes

 

I am from the Adirondack Mountains, lakes and rivers

The vast green landscapes that burn as the cold months begin to roll in

I am from the sound of paddles stroking the water and the sun on my skin

A book in my bag and a water in my lap, I am from a day on the lake with nothing but my thoughts and experiences of my favorite characters

I am from sappy hands and fresh pine

I am from a blanket of stars that watch over my family as we gaze throughout the night

I am from the peak of Gore Mountain, looking for my next conquest, as my feet glide down the white slopes

I am from the Adirondack Mountains, lakes and rivers

 

I am from the love and loyalty of my friends

Those who I trust and cherish both near and far

I am from the blasting music and random thoughts

The 2am conversations, trying to solve the problems of the world

I am from the hugs and tears, both from laughter and sadness

I am from the love and loyalty of my friends

 

 

I am from more than what you see