Where I Am From Poem

Where I Am From

I am from Thomas, West Virginia.

Fifth generation, born and raised in the mountains of Tucker County.

First born child of Brian and Christina.

Older sister to Bethany and Zachary.

I am from a tiny blip on the map…

Where I know a country road will always lead me home.

I am from a house built with rough, calloused hands.

From a county with only one stop light.

Where you can find happiness at the end of a fishing line.

I am from canyons and waterfalls.

From corn roasts and campfires.

From green thumbs and great cooks.

From four-wheeler rides and fresh-picked berries.

I am from cheering for the Mountaineers on Saturday,

And giving thanks to God on Sunday.

I am from tall trees,

And short tempers.

I am from hard work,

And soft hearts.

I share my mom's long dark hair and favorite color.

I share my dad's grin, and love of dogs and forensic science.

I am from lifelong friendships…

From four seasons…

From Mountain Lion Pride… 

From awe-inspiring natural beauty.

I am from a family that always sticks together.

From shucking corn and pulling the strings from green beans.

I am from a Charlie Brown movie and homemade sugar cookies for every holiday.

Where you'll always find an orange at the bottom of your Christmas stocking. 

Where you wave to every person that drives up or down the road,

And know all of your neighbors on a first-name basis.

I am from saying words and phrases no one outside the family would understand.

I am from summer nights on the trampoline,

And riding bikes until it got too dark to see.

I am from summer nights lit by lightning bugs, bright full moons and thousands of stars

Instead of street lights.

I am from spitting watermelon seeds,

And swimming in creeks and lakes.

I am from Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.

I am from endless hours spent in the Monkey Woods,

And playing with the cows on the farm.

I am from learning to drive in the Tacoma at Fairfax Stone.

I am from rescuing two homeless puppies,

Who have absolutely stolen my heart.

I am from a promise of forever with my best friend.

I am from knowing that everything happens for a reason,

And that, when I put my faith in God, I can get through anything. 

Where, from loss, I learned to truly celebrate life.

Where I was able to grow up fearless, independent, strong-willed, and adventurous,

All the while knowing if I stumbled, 

My family would be there to catch me.

I know where I come from,

And I know that no matter how far I may go,

There's nowhere else on this vast planet that will ever be 

Home.