by Sadie Franklin

I am from awakening to deep dog barks 

that causes me to remember how much I want a dog.

From shooting hoops in my room with a swoosh when I have nothing to do.

From dreading to carry my backpack all the way to the top floor because my legs ache after each step.

From a big bus trying to creep down our narrow street as it sounds like it will fall apart on the speed bump.

From hearing banging and clanging from the kitchen when my parents are eating while I try to fall asleep.

From sitting on our deck when it’s hotter inside than it is outside as my skin feels like it’s being baked on a fire.

I am from wanting to get into a good high school. 

From dreaming that I can become a doctor and help people. 

And from always hoping that one day I will have a slobbery dog to come home to.

I am from seeing my grandparents and eating warm stringy Chicago pizza where the cheese stretches from one side of the room to the other.

I am from making warm oily Latkes for Hanukkah, 

and from my dad forgetting about lunch because he doesn’t like having the extra meal.

I am from going to Skylake (sleep away camp)  every year just like my dad did as a kid, and from making new friends and trying new things like friendship bracelet

From sitting around the campfire and roasting puffy, gooey marshmallows with the smell of campfire

From going to Hawaii and drinking cold piña colada mocktails by the beach.

And from the hot sand frying my toes. 

I am from my parents always telling me to be safe.

From hearing “time for dinner” about five times till people actually come down for dinner.

And from my dad always saying to wear a mask even if I’m just going outside for a second.

I am from over hearing the TV rattle on about the next bad thing Trump did. 

From celebrating when Biden FINALLY became president.

From having to wear a mask every time I leave the house.

And from my ears feeling like they are going to fall off from my mask.

This is where I’m from