Where I'm From

I am from beautiful, whistling songbirds outside my tent, from Microsoft and Yamaha.
I am from the brick house near the source of pepperoni rolls, above the wooded ravine.
I am from the sweet silence of the forest, the sweat covering my body.
I am from special plates and inappropriate jokes around the dinner table, from Robert Ralph Robinson and Doris Virginia Abbot and Rebecca Leigh Robinson-- Stubborn, Silly, argumentative, story-tellers, having discipline.
I am from a religious mom, and a non-religious dad, and I had my choices.
From my mother's crush on Paul McCartney and Mariah Carey.
I am from my dad's self-reserve, and my mother's million friends.
I'm from home, I am from West Virginia, pepperoni rolls and chocolate milk.
From the Weekend camp-outs, and the Music Festivals and I am from learning.
I am from Summers with the neighbors, and Winters with the friends. 
I am from being myself, from encouraging the "Silly," and never letting myself be anything else.

--Michael Robinson