grateful

I am from Laundromats,

from Clorox, All Temp-A-Cheer, and wooden clothespins.

I am from the single-wide trailer with a splintery porch,

a closet-sized bedroom and paper-thin walls.

I am from the crooked apple tree in front and bushy wild rhubarb in back.

I am from the flea market after church and forever bargaining,
from Grandpa Doc & Grandma Minnie, and the Parkers in Texas.

I am from the glasses by junior high and gray hair by 21;

From elbows off the table and chew with your mouth closed.

I am from the Church of the Nazarene each Sunday,

Jesus Loves Me and clay pigeon candle holders;

From bookmarks for memorizing Genesis through Malachi.

I’m from Dutch immigrants, oliebollen and Waldorf salad.

From the times Grandpa went AWOL, Hey Mr. Bakery Man!

and stories about sleepwalking.

I am from shoeboxes in Grandma's cedar chest,

filled with pieces of gold & silver

disguised as photos and letters.

Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are & wherever you're from

originally posted 11/26/07