Maureen C. Berry

Where I'm From #27By Maureen C. BerryInspired by George Ella LyonI am from buttercream yellow kitchen walls,From a General Electric avocado green stove and The Good Housekeeping Cookbook.I am from the tiger lilies pushing up against the chain-linked fence.(Orange, erect, between patches of urine-soaked lawn from the dogs.)I am from the Rose of SharonThe neighbor’s elmWhose limbs stole across our yard blanketing pollenLike snowEvery spring.I am from Easter baskets and hand-me-downs,Mary Margaret and Patrick Dixon.I’m from the “Get that dog outta heres”And “Be home before the streetlights are on,”From Sit still! and Hurry up!I’m from Three Rivers and The Terrible Towel,Chipped ham from Bob’s Grocery two doors down and tuna noodle casseroles.From the belt my father wielded like powerFrom my mother immunizing the sick and poor.I’m from Bless me Father for I have sinned, Hail Mary Full of Grace, Jesus on the crossin every room, and candles lit for the deceased and fallen.I’m from pride and hope—vats of scrambled eggs for dinner, Fish on Fridays.From the woman who birthed and raised six boys and six girls, mostly alone, with noregrets.Where to find Maureen:Website: https://maureencberry.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureenc.berry/Where to find Alyson:Website: https://www.alysonshelton.comSubstack: https://whereimfrom.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byalysonshelton/