I’m from the roaring cars
and the concrete jungle
The city
that never sleeps.
Flashing lights
everywhere you look.

I’m from the restaurants
where sushi, dumplings and ramen fly
into my mouth.
The cream inside
the pastel de nata.
Me and my family stuffing our mouths
with crispy chicken
Slurping bubble tea
while chewing tapioca pearls.
Drinking coconut milk
and then eating the rest.
All of this food
is like a food mountain.

I’m from shooting hoops
with friends.
Going to the beach with Zuzu.
family walks
with my parents and Scarlett.
The hoop Doedie got me
during the shutdown.
All those crystals Zuzu gave to me
when I was young
Sweetie and Cody always cuddling with me
when I was sad.
My teacher helping me push
through hard work.

I’m from “practice makes better,”
but the things I say most of all are
“buckets” and “swish.”