// Roots //

I am from Mason jars,

and galvanized steel water troughs

From wooden clothespins holding on tight as our bedding and clothes try to take flight

I am from the white house with blue trim and big dinners,

Farm raised, fresh picked, home cooked every time and

you best clean your plate

I am from marigolds, sunny and bright-plucking the petals

To me, a delight

Eternally, I am at home in the light

I am from card nights,

dumping hearts and throwing spades-

And taking chance with a blind nil

Fair luck on the trade

From Marjorie and Albert

A long line of Roth's

I am from couch naps and bad backs

From rope swings and big dreams

From "my cup runneth over"

and "c'est la vie"

I am from pews with tiny envelopes for money,

big bibles and bulletins

and jokes that "ain't funny"

I'm from Cali and Ireland and Italy,

I am a mixed breed

But a far cry from the city

Spaghetti, fried eggs and "tato's"

Pick an ice cream from the old country store

and library visits-

Children's picture books galore

I am from wildflowers

arranged in chipped glass

Bottles and treasures we dug up out back

I'm from flat roads and crawdad holes

Barn wood and baked goods

I am from trowels and shovels

Hard work and worn hands

I am forged in the fire

of the old wood stove to heat our home

And the metal can to empty the ashes and start fresh again

From the cabinet covered with old family pictures

Filled with dad's records, mom's cassette tapes

and Nan's serving dishes

A recipe for nostalgia, music and words

all housed together

stuffed inside this old soul.