where i come from
by sharon gates

I come from
Quiet people, though those who know me
Tend to doubt it.
I come from
Family men, farmers and factory workers—
Blacksmiths and blackguards
Men who weren't afraid to work or to fight—
Men from both sides of wars.
I come from
Independence and intolerance.
Men who moved to the mountainsTo be left alone.
I come from
Free thinkers and narrow minds,
Fiery Irish tempers and deep wells of patience.
I come from
Women who worked, who worried and waited—
Who met their men folk at the door
With hot food and open arms.
I come from
Women who birthed and buried
Child after child ­
Laying parts of their own souls to rest
Under the mountain hillside