Where I’m From/Ruthie Tucker

I am from a shared room, 
One hallway, 
Happy home.
I am from an Artist,
Patient enough to share his craft.
I am from a Super Woman, 
Powerful enough to do it all.
I am from two alternate versions of
Myself.
They are Vigilant and Laughter. 

I am from a squeaky backdoor that leads
to lush, imaginative forests and fresh air.
From distantly beautiful drumming
Heard throughout the year.
I am from “go play outside or clean”
Play pants, snow pants, and hot cocoa.
I am from elaborate, hours-long stories
Told through Barbies.

I am from tiny birds chirping
And copious amounts of birdseed. 
White and Purple lilac bushes
Bloomed once a year.
From rooster crows,
woodpeckers, 
And too many red squirrels.
I am from nature,
Too pure to be forgotten.

I am from breakfasts before school served alongside
a too loud NPR podcast.
And later, the 5:30 CBS Evening News
With Norah O'Donnell.
From Native slang
And Menominee words. 
I’m from debated household chores
And stolen clothes. 

I am from my ancestral home.
For the ancestors --
New, old, and upcoming, 
I am thankful. 

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Ruthie Tucker, SNC class of 22, is an Honors program scholar majoring in education. A proud member of the Menominee Nation, Ruthie is the founder and president of our Council of Indigenous People. She reminds us that we are living on Native Land.