Where I’m From

By: Caitlyn Shields

I am from mashed potatoes, from Levi’s and church on Sunday.

I am from the ordinary suburban home with red bricks, windows in every room, and the smell of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

I am from the purple hydrangeas and cool sunset, the homegrown flower and the colorful nightly experience.

I am from skiing in Colorado at Christmas and deep blue eyes, from Brad and Holly and the Shields.

I am from impatient people and cranky mornings.

From don’t let the bed bugs bite to keep your head up high.

I am from a church youth group every Wednesday, with friends and a loud band.

I’m from Dallas Texas and Dumas Texas, fried chicken and piping hot brownies.

From the Christmas spent in a hotel, the snow swirling outside, to the road trip to Oklahoma to pick up our new family pet.

I am from the bookshelf in the living room holding all the memories that I hold sacred.