For my college English class, we had to write a poem that depicts where we come from and what it is about our past that makes us who we are today. Although this was something that I have repeatedly done in the past for school assignments; this one was different. This was a college assignment. It was unique to me. I'm older and wiser than I was a few years ago. Going to college and transitioning from my small town life to big city life has made me realize the pleasures of my past and of my hometown. That realization resulted in the poem below:

I'm from a close knit family with a big heart,

We support each other and love another even when we're miles apart.

I'm from empty desserts and bustling city towns,

To my hometown of empty corn fields and country sounds.

I'm from learning to say "yes ma'am" and "no sir",

Where politeness and manners are not uncommon to occur.

I'm from a small town where everyone knows everyone,

Where one man is another man's son.

I'm from hootin' and hollerin',

The kind where we are barefoot and go wanderin'.

I'm from a town that likes to party on a Saturday,

And praise the Lord on a Sunday.

I'm from World-Famous BBQ and deep fried Oreos,

Deep country roots and loud stereos.

I'm from close - knit relationships and kind hearts,

Love and support are never missing in "our parts".

I'm from a town where the only traffic light is a caution light,

Warning drivers that they've reached a four-way stop.

I'm from Clay, Kentucky,

A small town with a population of 1,181.

A town I'm proud to call my home,

No matter where in the world I roam.