I am from clothes

From seams and threads

I am from the hangers in the closet

Dark, cozy, the creaking folding doors

I am from poinsettias

Beautifully smelling and bright

I’m from big dinners and blue eyes

From Timothy and Susanne

I am from the loud and bouncy and calm and quiet

From “I’m counting to three” and “it’s okay, chin up”

I’m from believing but not openly

I’m from Canada, Norway, Ukraine and Wales

Sausages and perogies

The cabinet under the stairs, filled to completion

Filled with all the precious stories and memories our family has endured