I Am From

This is Marin.  I just wanted to give those of you who don’t know me very well an opportunity to see into my life a little more.  In college, we had to write “I Am From” poems.  Here is mine.

I Am From

I am from brown headed Karn and Jim, from Ken and Arlene and Emmett and Bev.

I am from a hybrid history of Scandinavian tradition. From lefse, krumkakke, kumpa, not talking too much, and working too hard.

I am from the beautiful Black Hills.  From Old Man’s Beard hanging green down the faces of ancient pine.  From cold blue lakes, dusty brown trails, and towering grey spires.  From a place where distance doesn’t matter, where mountain lions sleep in your backyard, and box elder bugs pepper your house.

I am from Megan’s bravery and Melissa’s spunk.  From Alida’s hikes, Bri’s coffee, Lynsey’s music in the car, and Katie’s giggles.

I am from frozen cranberry pie, salsa straight from the jar, homemade pizza, and inside out smores.

I’m from late nights with Moby Dick, Don Quixote, and Robinson Crusoe and from Agra bah, Africa, Never-Never-Land, and Once Upon a Time…

I’m from bubble gum ribbons, ripped tights, and gelly shoes, blue and gold jerseys, and black choir gowns with pearls.

I’m from offroading in the mud, night hikes, camp fires, tubing, soccer games, and wishing upon stars.

Part of me is from barn dances, calving season, muddy cowboy boots, and snap-up shirts in the laundry basket.

All of me is from private school, God, and prayer.

I am from the sunshine on my cheek, the breeze through my hair, and the callouses on my feet.