I am from lifejackets and buoys, from Melges and no shoes.
I am from the white wooden pier that floats above the waves in the summertime.
I am from the rocks, the tall trees thatcover them.

I am from yacht club get-togethers and sound that never stops, from Tom and Wendy and Ziegler.
I am from the fights about nothing and ­dinners that are never boring or ordinary.
From “Practice makes perfect” and trips to see Lisa.
I am from the Sundays that end up being put off to next week.

I'm from my dad's family, Pewaukee, and rhubarb.
From salads with strawberries and pecans.
From the time when Missy asked if cats were smarter than people.
From when the playset broke Molly's arm
From the sandbox that Cody and Jordan never left.
From going to the airport a day early for the family vacation.

I am from the shoreline.
Behind which holds the energy and chaos.
And beyond: the lake.