Poetry in training

Mentor training began this week and the first day was a true test of endurance. 150 people crammed together for 9 hrs. That needs no further elaboration except to say 'ugh'. The 2nd day (Friday) was better, less people, less time, productive activities. During one of our Community Building Activities, we were asked to write a poem. The poem was to have 4 stanzas, which began with "I am from" and then gave different things we're from. Here's my poem:

I am from
the smell of floor cleaner and disenfectant
the sounds of moving vans and vacuum cleaners
the feel of tackiness on my fingers from packing tape and newspaper wrapping
the taste of stale air in a unused house
the sight of my impermanent residence out the back window

I am from
heavy, greasy biscuits with butter and jelly
hot, sweet cornbread with pinto beans and pickle juice
crispy fried chicken
thick and cheesy *real* macaroni and cheese
sugary and thick pecan pie

I am from
"yain't from 'roun hear, are ya?"
"where are you from?"
"military brat"
"ya'll come back now, ya heah?"
"that's all raght, sugah"

I am from
heartfriends
heartfamily
all those transient people
all those paths I crossed
everyone I ever loved
everyone who ever loved me