I am from curly keppalahs
Square fingertips
Voices that never quite catch the tune.

I am from foil-wrapped chocolate eggs
Savored slowly in Connecticut
Melting far too quickly on my warm tongue.


I am from the smooth touch of warm wood
Lining the great grey House;
From the gentle voice of GiGi,
Beckoning toddler me come back inside.

I am from ivory keys
Taut strings
White snowmen and black tea;
I am from mittens hanging,
Dripping,
Drying
Caked with powder

Well-worn skis
Showing off their dark, aluminum underbellies
Leaning nearby.

I am from hubcaps and train tracks
Bus routes and booster seats.

I’m from two faint heartbeats,
Black and white
Beating as one.

I am from tears, regrets, humiliation;
From laughter, innocence,
Hope.
I may be from my indelible past,
But the future is my own.