I’m from New Jersey where the farms grow fruit, so ripe and sweet.
From the bright green grass spread out like a carpet.
I’m from the beautiful evergreen trees,
their boughs weighed down with snow during the winter.
Busy malls only a short car drive away.
From the gray and white wooden deck that surrounds our pool.

I’m from the tall highchair in Grandma’s kitchen,
where she cooked me my favorite food, pastina.
From my first teddy bear, Baby, which I wouldn’t go anywhere without.
I’m from the soothing, electric swing, where the rhythm would always put me to sleep.
From “Reach for the Stars” said to me by my dad every night.

I’m from a small family, who showers me with love.
From delicious corn, yellow and sweet, fresh from the farmers market.
From our traditional, Italian Christmas Eve dinners.
From photo albums filled with family moments and
From the laughter ringing in my ears from all the special times we shared.

I am from those memories,
that have taught me where I have come from,
but also given me wings,
so that I could fly as far as my dreams will take me.