I am from the tight grip of my hand on my mom’s pinky as we walked
I am from my first fireworks show
I am from the mess of learning to cook on an Easy-Bake
I am from the joys of rural community
I am from baby kittens being born and a soft hay barn
I am from the joy of buying a puppy just for me
I am from learning to swim at the small local pool
I am from singing karaoke at church
I am from choosing my own baptism
I am from the forgiveness of a living God
I am from my parents teaching me values
I am from meeting my lifetime friends in church
I am from that first hesitant kiss
I am from that first love
I am from how it broke me
I am from rising up from darkness
I am from beating the demons inside
And I am strong because of where I am from.