I’m From There

Adapted From “Where I’m From” Poems

I’m from a small-town hospital in the early 70’s,
when they still smoked everywhere.
A coal mining town, with a bar on every corner,
and a church on the others.

I’m from small schools where we got paddled,
because school was boring.
A place where football is king,
unless you’re not one of them.

I’m from the woods, where the creeks run deep,
and the oak trees hide your sins.
A place where the fishing is great,
and the skinny dipping was better.

I’m from the real Breakfast Club,
where the jock, and brain and criminal still exist.
A place where you never outlive your past,
and you avoid people at Walmart.

I’m from a town, where the same names run everything,
and they try to keep you down.
A place where they smile to your face,
then talk behind your back.

I’m from coal mines and corn fields;
where horse racing used to be big.
A place where…