(for Dad)

I am from basketball shorts,
from Nike and Under Armour.
I am from planting the flowers in the backyard.
I’m from the raspberry bush,
the Ravalli meadow apple trees.

I am from hunting camp, and Republicans,
From Grandpa, Grandma, and my Dad.
I am from words of an athlete and the life of a farmer.
From the be thankful and mind your manners.
I am from Sunday morning church
and the Ten Commandments.

Im from St. Josephs Hospital in Missoula,
from beef and mashed potatoes.
From the laughter of being chased by a mad cow
and Roger knocking Grandma down the hill.

I am from photos hanging upon the walls,
old memories, laughs and cries,
hugs and goodbyes.