The Origins of My Family

    by Megan Peterkin

I am from California,

peaceful California.

I知 from bright brown eyes and bouncy brown hair,

an intelligent mind, and long legs
that run like the wind runs.

I知 from a dazzling, darling dog,

with glittering glow-in-the-dark hazel eyes,
and tiny, cute claws that feel like prickly pine needles.

I知 from the romantic Italy,

where Italians eat linguini.

I知 from a fantastic friend,

loyal to the end,
the cousin who is great,
and taught me to skate: Delaney Sky.

I知 from parents who are kind,

and appreciate my mind.

I知 from a grandfather,

who never saw my sister and only saw me once,
and at his funeral, right before his ashes were thrown
into the sea, a dolphin came right up and looked
at me, then it took a little bow, then it went
away because it had other things to do that day.