I am from a hill, looking out to the dazzling lights of downtown, 

with the cold air whipping my face, 

Looking down to the park below me.

I am from a towering, staggering house,

To a flood of white on walls,

From the sandy beaches of Hawaii, 

The bustling city of Tel Aviv. 

The narrow road in Oakland,

The highest points of San Francisco.

From the slow tunes of The Beatles, 

The pickup of pop music on the radio.

I am from the all of the BANGS! And CRASHES! And rat-it-tat-tats! Of the drums,

the narrow sticks bouncing off the snare.

From shooting hoops, 

Nearly killing my dad with a soccer ball.

I am from a fantastic childhood, with multiple opportunities and an incredible family.

I am from knowing the power of democracy.

From falafel right out of the stove, 

And trips to heaven at Hamano Sushi. 

Juicy burgers off 24th Street,

Dipping malawach in a rich tomato sauce.

I am from  the excitement floating in the air on Jewish holidays, 

Steaming cChallah, with a warm, gooey middle on Shabbat, 

Eating warm doughnuts, 

with explosive jelly. 

I am from rough pasts,

But a bright future.

I am from a gun, a belt, a run-down house, no food on the table, 

politics, friends, foes, a religion, a family.

This is where I’m from.