Write Yourself
Thanks to Teaching Authors for this great exercise on writing character or thinking about yourself.
My result:
I am from afros and kaftans and peace symbols on a protest sign.
I am from the smell of homemade cookies, clean towels and the neighbor’s spilled beer.
I am from freshly turned dirt, the broccoli patch
I am from expertly packed suitcases and pride and stubbornness, from Charlie and Alonzo and Pam, now Sarah.
I am from those who look ahead and look away.
From beauty and ability.
I am from an erased and redrawn Star of David. And erased, again.
I'm from rocky mountains, share croppers' fields, ham hocks and beans and McDonald’s.
From the temporarily disowned mother, the four-times divorced grandmother, and the Air Force-bound grandfathers.
I am from mantels and walls of mounted and framed photos and no where but “It’s all up here.”