I am From

I am from the blossoming Crabapple tree,
the Dogwood, the Pine,
and thorns in my feet.
I am from broken bones in the backyard
and a castle's stone wall.
I'm from periwinkle and wicker wood,
from Hoppes No. 9
and Chanel No. 5
I am from hide and seek
and TIPS on the trampoline
from seaweed dancing in the lake
and a pool shaped like a jellybean.
I am from early morning woods and
"Hush, you'll scare the deer."
I am from pressing Papa's bullets.
I am from Catholic school fear.
I am from magic circle, magic keys,
from a race around the world
and a knobby wooden Shillelagh.
I am from Irish lullabies and strong German pride.
I am from "Ishkabibble" and "Biscuit,"
from three brothers raised by wolves
and a string of names
called before my own.