Tonya Todd

Where I'm From · Mar 3, 2026 · 20m

Where I’m From #26

by Tonya Todd

Inspired by George Ella Lyon

I 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, shimmering

eyes stinging like chlorinated dreams.)

I am from Oleander bushes,

their poison-laced leaves

bright and fragrant as rose petals.

I am from Christmas cookies and big teeth,

from Butterflies and Carnations.

I am from hand washers

and hand-me-ups,

from sit up and settle down.

I am from spiritual freedom,

endless open paths that led to

one God.

I am from magyarsziren and the Pennsylvania…