Where I'm From

by Katie Waxdal
Grade 7

I am from pink and purple dresses and skirts
From baby dolls and teddy bears
I am from picture books and paintings
From songs without words

I am from talking on the playground
From sharing secrets and causing mischief
I am from ridiculous fights and "He started it"
Form copying your every move

I am from backstage
I am from tech rehearsals and last minute repairs
I am from doing my homework in the wardrobe room and
     touching the props
From eating lunches with the crew

I am from Nirvana and Green Day
From memorizing lyrics but not knowing what they mean
I am from changing my taste
From hiding from the auto tuned voices without knowing it

I am from eyeliner and lipstick
From skinny jeans and band T-shirts
I am from dyed hair and the necklaces piled on top of each
     other
From beat up converse and worn leather boots

I am from sarcasm and inside jokes
From staying up until four in the morning and sleeping until
     nine
I am from hilarious failures and truthfulness
From stupid puns and uncontrollable laughter

I am from music notes and four counts
From seven AM band practice
I am from drum kits and noise cancelling headphones
From never going back to the basics

I am from a sweet Pitbull
From learning to walk by her side and showing people how
     nice she was
I am from a crazy little puppy
From taking care of him from the beginning and teaching my family how

I am from pentagrams and moons
From meditations in the forest and solitude by the pond
I am from incense and candles
From staying up to light a fire and singing in the moonlight

I am from a homemade deck and a cute little yard
From Friday movie nights and card games
I am from home cooked meals and ice cream
From the little blue house with more plants than pavement.

(Honorable Mention Finalist, 20th Annual Teen Poetry Contest, Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street, Beverly, Massachusetts. Readings & Awards Ceremony, April 26, 2016.)