I am from calendars and cook books,
from novels and notecards.
I am from the little grey house
on Cedar Lane
which smells of my dad's cologne and my mother's hairspray.

I am from wishes made
on dandelions,
the black cherry tree
with the wooden swing
where I spent so much time.

I am from Catholic weddings
and blue eyes,
from Eleanor and William,
from hockey and ice-skating.

I am from be proud
and never change,
you're simply the best.
I am from Yale and Ireland,
from clams and calimari,
the pitcher for the yankees,
the grandfather I never knew.

I am from my grandmother's necklace
which rests upon my heart
passed down
from generation to generation.

I am from my memory box
filled with movie tickets
and mini-golf score sheets
and middle school notes
I'd never remember passing.

I am from a long line
of strong, successful people
whose footsteps I must follow.
I am from a path planned out ahead.
I am from a family that never fails