I Am From
by Ashley Massey
Where I’m From
Ashley Massey
I am from bacon grease stored
in a pot under the stove.
From Country Crock and whole milk.
I am from the screen door
that slapped shut during storms.
From tornado alley, cow patties,
and rain flooding the pasture.
I am from the forsythia bush
that scratched like fingernails
outside my bedroom window.
I’m from Christmas breakfast at PawPaw’s
and fishing in the muddy cow pond.
From Mattie Bell, Faye, and Jane.
I’m from the late-night record playing
and farmer tans.
From “don’t backtalk me”
and “one day things will be better.”
I’m from the little church in Ethridge
flanked by corn fields.
I’m from Flatwoods and Scottish horse thieves.
From homemade mashed potatoes and
skinned doves floating
in a bowl in the fridge.
From the creek where Momma almost drowned
and Daddy pulled her on top of the truck.
From the Old Charter, county jail, and country roads
that go forever.
I am from the clock my great-grandmother
needle-pointed, hanging in the kitchen, counting
all the hard times
and all the really good times too.
I Am From Project 