Where I'm From

Below is a poem about me that I created for a writing preparation class for upper division general education here at San Jose State University. I realize that it isn't directly related to the visual arts but I do believe that this is an art form. Enjoy!

 Where I’m From

I’m from the land of chocolate scented orchids, alphabet books, and webbed fingers
From Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Darkwing Duck, Talespin, Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers on TV
The Fox and the Hound, Follow that Bird, The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones, The Great Muppet Caper on VHS
To Anne Murray’s There’s a Hippo in My Tub on vinyl to Bugs and Friends Sing the Beatles on cassette.

I’m from the cul-de-sac of Lake Village Drive where I played with the neighbor kids,
Santa’s rocket and sleigh that were on the front lawn at Christmastime,
From Grandma and Grandpa’s greenhouse where I watered my orchids,
To Grandma’s slider that I put my dirty paws on.

I’m from Grandma Annie and Grandpa Jim, the orchid enthusiasts
Auntie Lynne, the aunt that always left her mark with her lips on my cheek
Auntie Sharon, my godmother, Papa Vern and Grandma No-No (aka Grandma Judy)
And of course, I am from Karen and Layne, my folks that shaped me the most!

I’m from “Daddy, the Mercury has a boo-boo, she needs a Band-Aid”, “Who’s that? Grandma No-No!”, “Papa’s dirty fruck!”, and “Yay Mommy!”

I’m from the Stouffer's lasagna that fell on the floor that one Christmas Eve,
Zucchini flower pizza from the freshly picked from the garden
The hot baked salmon that just came out of the oven to the marinated skirt-steak from Freedom Meat Locker
I am from the ooey-gooey brownie-chocolate chip cookie combo, topped with ice-cream and whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

I’m from the ’86 Mercury Topaz and the ’90 Ford Aerostar, both of which are still in the family,
Segments of my life on two blank eight-hour VHS tapes, boxes of photographs in no particular order,
All of this may document my past, but who knows what the future will bring!