From Sand and Muddy Water
I am from river banks,
sand and muddy water.
From gravel roads that seem to go on for miles,
the sweet smell of lilac bushes and the strong arms of the willow tree.
I am from Mamaw Cooper who says,
“Little girls should not speak unless spoken to” and “don’t muss.”
From mamaw has arthritis and can’t go to church with papaw
so she runs poker games in the kitchen while he is gone.
I am from hard workers,
railroaders, farmers,
from early to bed and early to rise.
“If you’re going to do job then do it well.”
I am from Papaw Cooper,
a well-respected minister.
A Circuit Rider who had a kind word for everyone,
and would help those in need.
I am from a strong mother,
who would do anything for me.
From “you are pretty and special,
you can be anything you want to be.”
I am from old family photographs,
images frozen in time.
From those I never met,
because they were taken too soon.
*Inspired by “Where I’m From” by George Ella Lyon