I am from San Diego,
from the land of the rising sun to the beaches of Virginia.
I am from the sound of waves crashing onto the peaceful beach.
I am from the high and low tides,
the tides that wash up lost treasures.

I am from going to the beach before the sun rises,
and from waiting to see the sun set.
I am from regretting to put sunscreen on and
from staying out until the streetlights come on.
I am from ice cold showers and slimy, green aloe.
From aloe layered on my skin, like a 10 layered birthday cake.

I am from a military family,
from a strict Marnie as a dad, to a lenient Japanese mom.
I am from the first six years of my life spent in Japan, and the past 17 in America,
adapting to new schools and houses,
and making the new houses feel like a home.