Where I'm From by Mrs. Exner

Where I’m From
By Josie Exner

I am from cotton sheets,
from Ivory dish soap and Hollywood Squares

I am from the St. Augustine grass,
clean and clear

I am from sad Christmas memories and good cooks,
from Andrew Jacob and Rachael
and Brooks

I am from the alcoholism and cancer

From “cast it wayward” and
“Act like a lady”

I am from Georgia Baptist Hospital
fried okra and sweet potato biscuits

From the fussing of two sisters
the opening of her bedroom 50 years later,
and the raising of children
from Mother Bo.

I am from a box of pictures in the attic
And scrapbooks with my Daddy’s handwriting in them