Where I Am From

Elizabeth Milligan
Writing Assignment for October 13, 2007
Where I Am From

Where I Am From

I am from clouds and from my family
From hydrogen and oxygen, evaporation and condensation
From a tapestry of stories.

I am from my adult-size playhouse perched on the hill in the backyard
(gleaming windows without curtains set in wood painted red.)
The Green Room for my theatrical productions

I am from Verbeena and Lilac bushes, Bleeding Hearts, and purple Baptisia
I am from the mesquite bush
Tumbling freely with the wind

I am from black tea and white coffee
From Tracey and Proulx
From the big house and a constant stream of parties
From loud dinner tables
and always doing-and-going.
From extra chairs at the table and open arms.

I’m from Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost
until the Waldorf Bakery closed.
From searching in earnest for Gloria Patri,
Always on Sunday’s program, Never to be seen.

I am from Athena, Monty Python, and Oscar Wilde.
From prosciutto, escargot, and the driest Chateau Steiner.
I am from my uncle’s murmuring heart and flat feet
From one grandfather’s rocking chair, silver hair, and pocket watch - always ready to gift his grandchildren with a coin hidden in his pocket.
From another grandfather’s country house, furrowed fields, beloved dog, duplex in the city, and aromatic pipe tobacco.

Shoeboxes crammed with personal correspondence hidden in my sock drawer and closet.
First, letters and birthday cards from camp friends and from relatives.
Later, also from fellow students, teachers, and beaux.
Sometimes, I re-read them
To remember and imagine
Me and Them
Past, Present, and Future.