Patricia Breslin

I am from Ireland pride
From my mother's step-dancing jigs
To my grandfather's violin
I am from boiled potatoes and roast beef every Sunday
And the Irish Lullaby Grandma Boyle sang each night
I am from San Francisco playgrounds
And "hold my hand before we cross"
From trips to Pier 39
For Merry-go-round rides
I am from the Falls spent in Massachusetts
From Pop's raked piles of leaves
ripe for the jumping
I am from dance recitals and piano lessons
From midnight flashlight tag in the summer
And twenty-six foot Christmas trees in the Winter
I am from "What does this mean to you?"
A lesson I will teach each student
And the understanding that it is my job to help each child achieve their dreams
I am from do it yourself because no one else can do it for you
And your success is determined by your effort