I am from the bright international orange bridge greeting me as I enter my home city

from family and friends sticking with me forever

from a sunny yellow home welcoming me after school

from a tight family like community named noe valley 

I am from graduating college on a path to success and happiness 

from giving my everything to better my learning 

from strong opinions about women’s rights and climate change 

from gliding across sand whilst communicating with a truly magical creature

from learning about myself and growing as a person

I am from silky mato ball soup and salty potato latkes

from the familiar sensation of spice trickling down my throat

from the homely flavor of hot pot with family 

from tacos and pasta filling the dull air

from the sweet yet bitter tang of chocolate melting on my tongue 

I am from bright lights and faint laughter filling 8 days of gratitude 

from family pictures as the ocean and bridge shine bright behind me

from trips stuffed full of memories during the summer

from lanterns and moonlight while walking with my cousins

from priceless memories as we pass onto a new year with a cherishing family

I am from listening rather than speaking

from peeling like an onion to get to the warm safe inside

from laugher with those who care

I am from bandaged rules and people who are not fit to patch up those rules

from a nasty rush of fear and hatred

from VP Kamala Harris showing us how strong women are

from unimaginable crimes lead on by an unimaginable human 

This is where I am from.