I’m from the brownstone homes
on the east coast of America.
I see bikers every day on the streets
I live just a couple blocks away from
Kids in parks
Loud restaurants
And packed stores
Not a lot of cars driving
Very busy sidewalks everywhere
White and cold grounds every winter
after school everyday
Kids asking “will you be at the park after school?”

I’m from my dinner table on Friday nights,
eating pizza with my Dad,
Mom,
2 brothers,
Sister,
And my dog June laying under the table
We talk about our favorite thing that day
Every week a new place to go to
Special special lunch
with the smell of cheese
with a sprinkle of bread crumbs on top
Ordering in all kinds of food once a week

I’m from dad’s Grateful Dead music,
playing everywhere in the house
My little brother yelling
and raging over video games
My dog running and barking,
Not putting away her toys
My mom on calls
and going to Pilates

I’m from “she’s a bear!”
“School work comes first!”
“That’s a YP not an NP,” and
“Don’t say another child’s name when asked to do a chore”

I’m from goodbye NY,
hello CA.