2025/Anthony -

I am from The Lone Star State, from cowboys and The Alamo.

I am from the skyscrapers under the vibrant sun. It smelled like pink cherry blossoms.

I am from the Golden State, the shining beaches

Whose warm, salty waves I remember

as if they were my own.

I am from piano and classical melodies,

from the Boss and Stay-at-Home.

I am from the smart and the goofy,

from “Be Quiet!!!” and “Go squat in the laundry room!!!”

I am from the baseball field with my brother as catcher

and ten strikes I can throw myself.

I’m from Dungeons and Dragons,

swimming and guitar.

From the friends lost to the PCS

to the people who used to keep me happy.

Under my bed was a purple chest spilling character sheets,

thousands of memories -

to drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments-

floating before I PCSd away.

I am a dandelion attached to the family tree.

- Inspired by George Ella Lyon