where i'm from_christabel
TRANSCRIPT
WHERE I’M FROM
Christa Umphrey
I am from bedtime stories
and nightly family dinners
from wood-paneled wallsand green shag carpet
from Farina
and Reservation politics
from cheap bear around Friday night campfires
and after-church, roast beef dinners
on Sunday afternoons
I am from the thrill of unexpected snow days
and canoe rides
under full moons.
I am from bare feet in fresh-cut grass
and Dad’s gardens all around.
I am from long
afternoons spent
floating irrigation
canals on stolen
inner tubes.
from spontaneous and expected family gatherings,
from Thanksgiving weekend Christmas tree-gathering trips
and Mom’s homemade cinnamon rolls afterward.
I’m from stubborn independence and laughing too loud.
I’m from Snyel’mn this valley
surrounded by mountains
I’m from descendants of Mormon pioneers
who choose to come West
and the Salishwho were forced here from
the south
I’m from dirt roads
and potholes and too many
wakes.
I’m from summers in
teepees and old trucks
that run just well enough
to drive teen independence
and dreams of air conditioning
in August.
I’m from frozen pipes in February
I’m from making due
... and dreaming of more
from grandfathers who made their livings among trees
and horses
from women who were always mothers first
but never solely.
I am from...
I am From...
my grandfather’s logging truck,and the woods where he spent his days.
those grandmother’s
quilts,
I am from
! ! ! !
overstuffed bookshelves
doing too
much
and the calm !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! productivity ! ! ! ! ! ! of midnight hours...