I’m from the sizzling sun that the heat likes
the soft sand you lay on
as you earn a tan
close to the cool refreshing water
looking up
seeing palm trees filled with coconuts
swaying in the wind.

I’m from Nana’s fire: salmon and ribs
my grandpa’s busing’ pie
that goes after the salmon
the cold refreshing drinks
they send shivers down my bones
with a delicious breakfast
makin’ me gasp with thirst
maybe some midday fruit
along with a beautiful sandwich
I can’t leave out
my Nana’s homemade bread
some nice heavy sushi
with a side of dumplings and ramen
every Friday night
ordering dinner
while watching a movie
a light snack of chips
the sriracha-mayo
with some yummy chicken
I love fish so much
it goes so well with corn
but even that combo can’t compete
with pasta and pizza!
all of it makes my stomach dance.

I’m from acing my Nana in ping-pong
and don’t forget
my mom and sisters too
the hooping with Ilan
the teasing of Amaya
amazing my aunt Rashmi
talking to papa
and Oliver too
the joy of hanging out
with my school friends
but also with my baseball friends
wishing Kaya good luck at college
is like wishing to die.
I’m from “Dime” and “Bang” “A trey from way outside”
I have to include
“There it goes see ya!”
my personal favorite “How’s life?”
These things build me up as a person.