Michelle A. Payton

I am North. I am South.

I am pony kegs and victory gardens. I am the coal mines.

I am from pans on floors when rainy and bed sheet curtains that move when windy. I am from the smell of Cutty Sark whiskey. I am from laughter that reveals broken, black stumps and missing teeth. I am from non-spaded, outdoor cats with endless litters of kittens and dogs rarely groomed.

I am from fried bologna sandwiches on thin white bread. I am the smell of furniture refinish, aged wood, and finds from estate sales. I am flea markets on Sunday and a dollar in my pocket after the first sale to buy comic books. I am from celebrations that the lights and water remain on for the month.

I am from where my children are not. For this, I am grateful.

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