I am from piano keys, Bible verses, and written words.
I am from cotton seeds, corn husks, and choppin’ weeds with a hoe.
I am from hydrangeas, crepe myrtles, dogwoods, and gardenias in the garden.

I’m from fried chicken, homemade biscuits, sweet pickles, and blueberry yum-yum.
I’m from the Chowan River, Ahoskie, and Sunbury in Gates.

I’m from "Go on and get yourself some more" and "You are my sweet girl." I’m from
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "It Is Well With My Soul."

From "Humble our hearts and make us truly thankful
For all the blessings we have received"
From the ground bees that stung Grandpa on the tractor
And chased him to the house and the glasses he lost along the way

I am from homemade jelly, jams, and relishes, china cabinets, and patchwork quilts.

I am the sandy haired river girl, barefoot picking berries
        Staying close to home like daffodils branching from a bulb
        And blooming every spring.

This poem first appeared in North Carolina Conversations, Summer-Fall 2010 (North Carolina Humanities Council).
Used here with the author's permission.