I am ... (October poem)

·         I am from...

I am from plump pink peonies,
sweet strawberry rhubarb and
red raspberry bushes.
So much life in that backyard - I can
close my eyes and drink in the smells!
Bases familiarto the neighborhood kids
as we chose teams.
We were too young to understand the riches surrounding us.

I'm from the glassed-in front veranda on
Braemar Drive. Solid Kentucky-green rocking chairs
sporting caned seats that lovingly held not only us, but Spats and Toby too.
Sweet comfort through the years - from lullabies and family stories, to
pouting teenage girls, to adult conversations. So much laughter and
learning. When did the changes happen? Built-in safety and security,
known but not acknowledged.

I'm from Pauline and Tim.
Turkey dinners and secret recipes
Steamy kitchen windows in winter -
Sunday roasts with guests.
Brownies slathered in chocolate frosting hidden from us
on 'Bridge' night.

I'm from Winnie Grattan and John Brown, Marty Murphy and
Catherine Dunn. Strong genes I know - Thank God.
Try to live up to them always; they will sustain.

I'm from the cottage at Robichaud Office
Croquet on the front lawn, digging for clams when the tide's out.
Meeting Montreal Canadien greats visiting relatives here - how much better
can this get?
From report card day to Labour Day, we ran through fields, rode bikes,
played games, dove off the wharf, lazed in the sand, played horseshoes
just with Dad.

I'm from Irish stock, the last survivor.
Memories tucked safely away to be unwrapped
when required - like today when life is harried and
the safety net I knew is found anew.