Where I’m from in the summertime

From running wild in the woods behind Barbara’s house making mudpies and quilt forts,

I’m from Granny Goldie fixin Papa a plate,

From Papa Bill sitting at EKU’s graduation with my sun hat protecting his bald spot,

I’m from sweet tea Sunday dinner at Gaga’s, Dad with his own plate of potatoes, 

I’m from Gaga Sarilda hollerin’ “Will–ard” when dinner was ready,

From Papa Brewer tending his sunflowers in the sun.

I’m from Great Aunt Yvonne looking glamorous in her silky muumu and my Mucka with her big sunglasses in the floating lounger with cup holders enjoying the cool water in the 606 humidity

I’m from Mucka and Yvonne laughing till they pee– no matter where they were,

From Mucka singing gospel while Yvonne rocked Mucka’s piano with soul,

I’m from Cheri and Joy floating in the pool, tans shiny with Hawaiian Tropic,

From the water splashing over the sides as the grandkids jump around for “wall ball,”

I am from Megan and Emily and Sawyer and Dylan and Kelley being the cousins of summer always in the sun, 

From poolside cookouts with dorito salad and watermelon and fried green tomatoes,

I’m from Heather teaching me to lean into the dive into the water so far and close, 

and me teaching Henry and Willa, hands over their heads, arms pressed to their ears, leaning over until that victorious tumble.