I am from the community where my friends welcome me
from neighbors that care about me.

to my favorite pizzeria down the street.

Being so used to the smell of dogs in my house. 

Having so much dog hair on my clothes I’m starting to shed

A really dirty car filled with dog hair.

I am from how my comfortable house is safe. 

I am from Georgio’s pizzeria with just the right amount of garlic in those meatballs. 

I am from the smell of the food that my parents make me with just the right amount of love.

I am from baking cakes that shimmer,

From the smell of birthday cakes 

And from the feel of hunger as I wait for my food.

And then the taste of professional food at great restaurants.

I am from having dreams of monsters in my bed.

I am from getting better at guitar by practicing with my dad almost every day.

I am from jumping off ledges into water in Hawaii which I was very scared to do.

I am from hoping that the world will survive the next 100 years because of global warming.

I am from wishing I could bike to school but not being able to because I live on the other side of the city.

I am from eating artichokes that my grandma made garlicky.

I am from putting the star on the Christmas tree.

I am from eating dinner with my family every night.

This is where I’m from.