I am from the mighty brown snake that slithers from Lake Itasca to St. Louis.

From gardens filled with bright yellow sunflowers.

I am from the morel mushrooms, milkweed, and stinging nettle.

I am from tater tot hot dishes, on long winter nights and being known as "Minnesota Nice," from the Mall of America and the Aerial Lift Bridge.

I am from the communities that have turned into families and the variesties of shared ethnicity.

From 10,000 Lakes and priceless weekends at the cabin.

From pink and white lady slippers, wild rice and the great Norway pine.

I'm from Minnesota, Zorbas on the Lake. From the great Paul Bunyan and Babe, his blue Ox, the great Monarch butterfly, and Uffda Shops.

I am from a bit of snow, I am from the many colors of fall and the seemingly endless showers that, without a doubt, turn into an ablaze of beautiful greenery.

I am from Minnesota and Minnesota will forever live in me.