Tonya Todd

Where I’m From #26by Tonya ToddInspired by George Ella LyonI am from books and cats and baseball bats,from Mother’s Milk and Banner Batteries.I am from the swimming pool in the back yard.(Deep, shimmeringeyes stinging like chlorinated dreams.)I am from Oleander bushes,their poison-laced leavesbright and fragrant as rose petals.I am from Christmas cookies and big teeth,from Butterflies and Carnations.I am from hand washersand hand-me-ups,from sit up and settle down.I am from spiritual freedom,endless open paths that led toone God.I am from magyarsziren and the Pennsylvania Dutchess of Bucks County—north ofbrotherly love,dark chocolate almonds and ice cream after everything.From the three engagement rings Nana acceptedat one time,the bus my mother fled between my fathers.In my closet was a warm nestof devoted kittens.a blanket of unconditional loveto purr my troubled mind to sleep.I am from these creatures —graced with magnificent progenal gifts —morphing from monster to Muse.Where to find Tonya:Website: https://www.mstonyatodd.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mstonyatodd/Where to find Alyson:Website: https://www.alysonshelton.comSubstack: https://whereimfrom.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byalysonshelton/