I come from the lake...
from summer days relaxing in the
dark blue calm water, with
the urge to jump in and swim,
the trees covering the lake from the windows.

I come from family...
from two sisters arguing,
a mom sacrificing her meals to take care of three girls,
a dad working to keep the legacy of his father’s glass company going,
and a whining dog nudging me with toys.

I come from love...
from a family that sticks together,
a boyfriend who sticks around,
a best friend who sticks by my side,
an aunt and uncle who stop by to say hi.

I come from Colorado…
from the car rides there smelling of Subway sandwiches,
the powdery snow as soft as a blanket,
the ski-bums on the slopes, and
the mountain views.

I come from dogs…
from SARDs and cancer,
the blind dog with liver failure,
the puppy with cancer,
the tears cried and the pain felt.

I am from 17 years…
from the summer days on the lake,
the family of two sisters and a mom and dad,
the love of a family sticking together,
the car rides to Colorado,
the dogs with gut wrenching diseases.