i am from

I am from the woods just outside my door

from nature and freedom.

I am from the creek in the yard

and my secret fort in the clearing.

I am from the quiet lonely river a short walk past the Private Property sign

whose presence is a treasure I uncovered.

I’m from 5251 Coldbrook Drive

and the thick wet clay on the river’s edge

from the 5 Mary’s preceding mine

and the native people whose footsteps I retrace.

I’m from skunk cabbage, hermit crabs and wild blackberries.

I’m from the perfect January sledding hill which becomes the perfect July bike ramp.

I’m from a deep sense of connection and timelessness and impermanence.

I am from a place that cradled my truest self, deep in its comforting presence

full of promise and creativity and acceptance.

I am from something bigger than me but very much all around me.

It is now many years later,

But I notice the last orange leaf clinging to its branch

a hidden ivy covered rock wall

the first resurrected bud of spring.

They remind me where I’m from.