I Am From

I am from lakes and grasslands
small houses with broken glass,
rumbling trucks,
and ripped jeans

I am from dirt,
inside and out,
earth on my knees
and in my soul.

I am from books
with dragons
and a knight in shining armor.
I knew they were lies.

I am from words like
"Sailors don't cry,"
"Children are meant to be seen, not heard"
and "Good Christian girl"

I am from long afternoons alone,
no need to hide
no one is looking,
they never do.

I am from a proud father,
a working mother,
a broken brother,
and long lost sisters.

I am from hiding in bathtubs
and under blankets,
trying not to hear
things I shouldn't.

I am from family get-togethers,
holidays with cover-up,
purple skin,
and rare smiles.

I am from parents
with broken families,
left to wonder,
"do they know any different?"

I am from break ups
and back togethers.
From absent fathers
and knowing mothers.

I am from proud mother
leaving her husband
changing my "am"s
into "was"'