i am from

something i penned a couple of years ago...

I am from the the hills of Kentucky and the small towns and countryside of Ohio , from factories and farms.

I am from hay wagons and pickup trucks to waiting on big yellow school buses at the end of the driveway.

I am from family reunions under the huge oak tree in Granddaddy's valley and swimming in Black River, from big red barns, corn cribs and walks down country roads.

I am from Mom's wood cook stove and Granddaddy's smokehouse, summer gardens and putting food by.

I am from hand me downs and hand made quilts, making do and “waste not, want not”, from Granddaddy's love of small wild things and Grandmother's grace in an apron.

I am from poetry, guitars, fiddles and old songs to rock and roll, from baby dolls and playing house to the Beatles, Bob Dylan and mini skirts.

I am from bare wood floors, pot belly stoves and shivering after a bath.

I am from Saturday trips to town, five and dimes and stocking up when you can.

I am from Daddy's work ethic and Mom's ingenuity, from fried chicken, fluffy white biscuits with milk gravy and old metal lunch boxes.

I am from endless summer days, red rover red rover, and a fresh drink of water from the outdoor pump, from, “don't come in until I call you”, July nights of catching lightning bugs in canning jars to watch them glow under the covers, blanket tents and transistor radios.

I am from respecting your elders and being seen and not heard.

I come from hard work, resilience and making the best of what you have.

I am who I am because of where I come from. I carry the spirit of the past and my ancestors with me.

 

s.cooper