I am from Richmond to Bedford, Virginia
to Mt. Airy and then Pilot Mountain, North Carolina.
Traveling from state to state, city to city, middle school to middle school
of all sizes, big and small. All because my dad worked for the government.
I am from yards that look like the prize winner.
Where you see tulips and roses every year in their season.
I am from Siamese cats to Datsuns and Poodles.
I am from buckwheat pancakes with
gravy and hot spicy pickles with homemade
biscuits at grandma’s house.
I am from a big loving family always getting together.
Laughing, hugging, and crying.
I am from name brands such as A.D.I.D.A.S and B.U.M Equipment.
Wearing Converse tennis shoes and Electric Blue Mascara.
I am from acid washed jeans with socks over them, over sized belts, slinky
bracelets, and twister bead necklaces.
Always trying to fit into a group and belong.
I am from my first crush in sixth grade to
my first love in eighth grade.
I am from mom giving me my first perm and looking like Annie.
Learning about the phrase “The preacher’s daughter”
and trying to disprove the theory.
I am from Amazing Grace, Just A Little
Talk With Jesus, and church, church, church.
I am from thinking that I was
saved at age 12 later to realize I was not.
I am from dancing in the barn with
Footloose. Purple Rain with Prince and Who Are
You Going to Call, Ghostbusters.
I am from singing as loud as I can in my room with Tina Turner-What’s Love
Got to Do With It and Madonna-Like a Virgin.
I am from playing volleyball to
basketball and was always the center.
Fracturing my ankle five times before I
decided to take it easy.
And dancing in my den every afternoon for exercise.
I am from the television always on with
my dad’s eyes glued straight ahead.
Watching Alf, The Cosby Show, and The A Team.
Jumping up and down when the Tarheel’s won a game.
I am from a teacher who slammed the
chalkboard with a stick to wake us up.
Walking up and down stairs to as a class
when Jay Boaz would get in trouble.
I am from an eighth grade prom and graduation.
I am from a long line of places, people,
and family that have came and went.
But still I am here and meeting new
people and going new places.
Have expectations that I will fit in one day.