I am from DVDs, so scratched that they’re sandpaper

from sketchbooks and pencils

I am from the rough brick houses

always smelling like black cherries

I am from the black satin dahlia

The magnolia tree, dancing in the breeze

whose long-gone limbs I remember

as if they were my own

I’m from opening a Christmas gift early and artistic skill

from Susanne Christine and John Gerald

I’m from going to the beach and visiting theme parks

and from traveling to different states

I’m from back up from the TV and love who you want

and “The rest is still unwritten”

I’m from dressing up for Halloween 

I’m from Philadelphia and Irish royalty

Irish stew and stuffed peppers

From my dad singing backup for a famous band;

MCR in their early shows

A wooden dolphin in our living room that we’ve had for 3 decades

yet it still has its color, the same reddish color as faded mahogany.

Its smell reminds me of the first place I’ve ever called home.