Apr 8, 20223 min read

WHERE I'M FROM

Seventeen

Lying in the hospital bed most likely pondering her thoughts of how she ended up here at only seventeen. She questioned if she would make a good mom but after 3 hours of screaming and pain out came the joy of her life. With one look she met her best friend. “What are you going to name her?” The nurse asked and my mom said, “Taylor”.

The Principals Office

“KISS KISS KISS” 6 middle schoolers shout circled around me and flag football star Justin Bunch. And at that moment, I knew I had to kiss this boy. I closed my eyes, puckered my lips, and kissed him. After this I thought the only thing, I had to worry about was that this probably meant he was my boyfriend now and I should post us on Instagram. But little did I know that was the very least of my concerns. As the bell rang to line up for class Mr. Saldana yells “can Taylor Naughton and Justin Bunch, please go to the principal’s office”. With straight A’s my entire life and the perfect student’s history, I was shaking. As I walked in and sat down in my chair, I began bawling begging her, “Please I have never been in trouble before”. With a pinky promise to never ever kiss a boy again my record of perfect student remained intact. The one thing she did not tell me was that she called and informed my mom. When I got in the car after school my mom said, “How was school, kiss any boys today?” and that moment marked my hate for Principal Balthis.

My Best Friend

Pink confetti flew in the sky, and everyone shouted, “It’s going to be a baby girl” but I was not as happy as everyone else. I loved my family and I loved being the baby. I was not going to let another girl steal all my love. I was only 5 but determined to be the only daughter. 4 months later out came my baby sister. She had the tiniest feet and the cutest smile, and the moment I held her in my arms I knew she would be my best friend forever.

sNOw day

Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona was similar to growing up inside the sun. It was hotter than hot. Some say your shoes just burn right off the ground as you walk. But this is what I was used to. Until one day my family wanted to go play in the snow. I remember my 5 year old body filling up with excitement. I wanted to roll around in the fluffy magical white powder, sled down the biggest hill I could find. My 1st few steps into the snow were absolute joy until I stepped into a puddle. Two minutes later my feet began turning purple, my body felt a rush of complete ice. I was pissed. I developed a strong hate. This was not magic fluffy powder but a spawn of satan in ice form.

Charter Oak

I am from a brick house

Down charter oaks

In an upstairs bedroom, I call mine

I learned to drive on I-17

In 100-degree heat

Where we bring out our bows

And drive two hours til you hit the snow

I am from the desert

With the pretty sunsets

Polaroid pictures and phones with cords

I am from blue eyes and Ireland