IMOGENE’S NOTEBOOK

Where I’m From

A poem

Frozen ponies — Photo by Mike Porter (with permission)

I am from a warm home in a cold place
The Gateway to Canada’s North
Bundled up in toques, scarves, mittens, and coats
Burning my toes on the grey metal heat register

I am from bitter cold and mountains of icy snow.
Riding shiny new toboggans, making snow angels and forts
Rinks of ice, lacing up skates
Bruises on my knees and snowflakes melting on my tongue

I am from road trips, fishing trips, camping trips
Riding in a smoke-filled car with an 8-track playing country tunes
Warm days and cold nights
Mountain snow falls on a May morning.

I am from prayers in school, prayers in church
with hands clasped but one eye open
“Now I lay me down to sleep”
God, are you out there?

I am from a new home, a new dad, new brothers and sisters
Our family tree is growing and we are finally whole
A difficult transition
Sharing my mom, our home, my love