i come from oatmeal cookies and cliché traditions
from distant smoggy skylines and rare rainstorms
from dim lighting and repainted walls
from beach days on skipped school days

from bad lies and worse truths
from broken windows and misbehavior
from disappointed parents and let down high expectations
from sugar rushes and morning headaches
from warm nights and the trolley at 11

from dirty pillowcases and loud late night music
from used vinyl and stolen books
from a blooming garden and almost first places
from wood chips and hair dye

from chipped paint and an outdated kitchen
from $8 hoodies and thrift shop shirts
from no shoes and new floors
from lonely nights and different pets

from overplayed favorite movies and california sunshine
from broken water bottles and hot chocolate
from scratched cds and bad eyesight
from rushed mornings and homework fights
from hand me downs and shared writings
i come from funny family stories and “no”s at the grocery store