Today is my 25th birthday.
For some of you that may seem incredibly young, for others light years away. I thought it would never get here and, simultaneously, hoped it never would. For me, 25 is accompanied by a quarter-life crisis where I make major life choices and discover tiny lines under my eyes.
I wrote the poem below several months ago, but never found the right time to post it. I thought today was a particularly apt day for it. If you are interested in the story behind it and the prompt, you can find it here.
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I am from hair bows and scrunchies, from Toaster Strudels for breakfast, and reading books by flashlight under the covers.
I am from the brick house with green shutters, the big wooden fence, and a yard full of imagination.
I am from dandelion necklaces and wishes, from the overwhelming smell of Bradford Pear trees in the spring.
I am from rainy pajama days and stubbornness, from Nancy Lee and Rudy and Francesca.
I am from striving for unattainable perfection and loudly expressed emotions.
From believing in Santa Clause and “always do your best”.
I am from cradle Catholics and saved Protestants; from believing, doubting, and finally finding and receiving grace.
I’m from the heart of Dixie and the heel of Italy, from grits and too much garlic.
From the stories of orphanages and immigration, the anxiety of adolescence so similar to mine, and the feel of warm hugs.
I am from stuffed photo albums, handwritten recipes, cabinets and closets full of priceless memories. From china figurines and the smell of burning candles. From the one place where I will always belong.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy birthday! That's a beautiful poem.
I'm late on wishing you a Happy Birthday! But better late than never! So Happy Birthday dear!
I turn 25 next June (2011) and I'm very excited to. Something about the math just adds up (5×5=25, 5-2=3 (my fav number) etc. etc). It's just a lovely, well-rounded age me thinks 🙂
Hope you got to (or have plans to) do something amazing and relaxing 🙂
Happy Birthday! I hope you had a fabulous day!