I am from the city with the bright red bridge with rolling hills and fog

I am from the same gray house I’ve known all my life

With the bright red door welcoming me every day

I am from the loud garage door opening

And my dog barking as a welcome

I am from the orange sun peeking around the corner, waking me up

From lying in bed, not wanting to go to school, hoping somehow it will be the weekend

And from “I’ll be there in a minute!”, then forgetting

I am from a house with no siblings and dog hair everywhere

I am from the tap tap tap of my dog’s paws on the smooth wood floors

I am from walking up the same gray stone steps to my door

And the sun shining through the house

Filling it with light

I am from the new and familiar smells of food 

I am from “I’m trying a new recipe.” and “Made with love.”

I am from being called to dinner, but taking a long time to get there

From the familiar clinking of glasses and utensils

And sharing the highs and lows of the day

I am from yummy Chinese dishes at my grandparent’s house

And always thinking about the next meal

I am from the familiar favors and the new ones to come

I am from “The usual” at my favorite restaurants

And always wanting chicken tacos from the place down the street

I am from “Fresh out of the oven”

And the fresh scents of my mom’s baking wafting around the house

I am from Christmases in LA

From the ski trips to kick off the New Year

I am from a big, loving family that considers friends family

A family that worked hard to get to America

And form a good life for their children

I am from the same noodles, beef and chocolate cake every birthday

I am from a huge family tree

And “This is your uncle.” 

Even though I don’t know him

I am from celebrating Chinese New Year with my family

While eating delicious Chinese food

I am from family trips every year

A new place every time 

I am from a wish to go to all seven continents

I am from working hard on my swim team

And trying to get good grades

I am from working hard every day and being grateful for what I have

I am from hoping the world becomes a better place

And hope that people can share their ideas freely

From the hope that people don’t have to be scared

And the wish of a safe world for everyone

This is where I am from