I Am From
I am from seashells,
from sandcastles and saltine crackers.
I am from the many doors of the Windsor Heights apartment building
and you could hear the waves crashing on the beach of San Diego, California.
I am from a slender-stemmed palm tree
whose large leaves swayed over me at my endless days at the beach.
I am from Disneyland season tickects and from soft salted pretzels shaped like Mickey Mouse ears,
from my grandpa, who ran marathons, to my Aunt Dotty who wore 3 rings on every finger and toe.
I am from the suave and the persistant,
and from the storytellers.
I am from the Christmas Carol play and breakfast at grandma's on Christmas morning,
from arroz con pollo, carne asada, and corn beef and cabbage.
I am from the William and Mary ship that sank coming from the Netherlands
and from the Choctaw Trail of Tears and the Treaty of Dancing Rabbits.
Often I would listen to my parents' long lectures about life and what is right.
That is what made me the person I am today that is to stay.
I am from endless laughter, countless smiles, and friendly sibling fights.
I am from sitting on my grandpa's knee, listening to the stories he would always tell me.