Where I'm From

I am from the blue Bud Light beer cans scattered all over my yard,

the awful smell of cigarette ashes and cigarette butts in the glass ashtrays.

I am from my dad’s garage with his 1967 white Camaro.

From the mud hole in my backyard.

I am from the smelly black pig under my porch,

The pitbulls running around in my yard chasing each other.

I am from my mom always on her feet cleaning up after me,

Cooking dinner and washing my clothes.

From my brother, sister, and I always fighting but making-up within the next hour.

My aunt and uncle Doug and Denise taking my siblings and I because we were going to get sent to foster care

I am from my mom and dad always fighting.

From my dad doing the most redneck thing I can think of.

The Doors and Marilyn Manson, my dad would play working in the garage,

My aunt Terri and cousins Jacob and Tori living across the yard.

“I love you with all my heart to the sky”

I am from “It’s hotter than a sheep’s ass in a pepper patch.”

From 50 Cent and Pretty Ricky my mom would play while cleaning the house.

I am from my grandpa dying in 2015 it was hard,

watching my family and I grieve for so long.

From sitting on my dad’s lap while he gave tattoos, running off with the letter L in my cousin’s name and my dad tattooed Dyan instead of Dylan.

My daughter Hailey wobbling like a penguin around the house yelling “mama.’

I am from the Appalachian Mountains where I was born and raised and,

that’s where I will stay until I die.