I am from the desert sands 

Were we held thanksgiving every year

From the rolling hills 

That scattered with the overpowering wind

From the unyielding smell of chlorine 

To the delicious scent of grandma's goulash 

I am from the ocean 

That crashes onto the shore claiming all in it’s path 

With the salty air that assaults your taste buds

I am from the Trillium 

 whose leaves give life

And The unbreaking Palm

Whose leaves fall from the sky

I’m from The sweet and spicy flavor of jalapeno jelly 

And the gardens we grew them from 

From Sara

The ray of light that was in my life 

And Bea

The loving  grandmother who was always there

I’m from the singing trees

And the Deafening Silence of the never ringing phone

From the police sirens and screaming neighbors .

I’m from Safe and sound

With the necklace of a dead friend 

And her  joyous laughter .

I am from traveling every Two weeks 

To see family who won't put in the efort 

I am from memories that stick like glue

Even when I don’t want them

I am all of this and more

I am me