I’m from a tropical archipelago,
towering fruit trees,
thundering rainy days,
blazing heat,
sandy beaches on the Pacific Ocean
and across the world.
Bird watching all spring,
and school every day.

I’m from sweet mangoes, spiky red rambutans,
and stinky durian,
pancit and adobo,
Chocolate bubble tea and sushi – my brother’s favorite.
Thai take-out,
pepperoni pizza on Saturdays,
and tostadas on weekdays.

I’m from friends
scattered across the States,
family across the world.
Family in the country
and my parents working all day.