I am from sunny Noe Valley, 

and hot streets of LA,

To the warm waters of Martha’s Vineyard,

And from Frye Island

I am from the bungalows of West Hollywood,

To the tall skyscrapers of New York.

 I am from the giant turf soccer fields of Half Moon Bay,

To the grass fields of Golden Gate Park.

             I am from climbing the fig tree in my backyard 

And getting splinters from walking on my porch

      Playing video games

  my eyes glued to the screen

Palms sweaty  

 my mom yelling “Dinners ready.”

    I am from the loud barks of small rescue dogs in Half Moon Bay to the big Bernese Mountain Dogs of Martha’s Vineyard.

                                                             I am from shooting hoops to playing in my backyard

 I am from the loud screams after winning soccer tournaments to sitting in my classroom hoping climate change will end.

                          I am from a confused kid who wasn’t able to write to the kid who can write a whole speech.

                 I am from switching schools twice to winning a state championship.

I am from listening to the screaming toddlers in the restaurant while I burn my tongue on the stringy cheese of Georgio’s Pizza. 

                          I am from sipping sweet gooey marshmallows floating in rich hot chocolate around the bright lights of the  Christmas tree.

                                       To eating the warm cheesy bread from the quesadilla in Half Moon Bay. 

                I am from the sweet cold cookie sundaes on the beach to swimming in the warm water one last time.

                                           I am from the big beaches of Martha’s Vineyard to the small lakes of Frye Island. 

                   I am from throwing snow at my sister in Tahoe every Martin Luther King Day.

                                    To watching NBA games with my dad.

                  I am from watching shows like Bob’s Burgers with my family to playing madden and 2k with my friends.

       I am from seeing young bright cousins in the winter to seeing old loud cousins in the summer.

                      I am from my mom making me strawberry smoothies every morning.

                                            To sleeping with my soft dog huddled next to me.

                                             This is where I am from.