I am from the land of the lunatics,

The heat and the sand.

The hot stone beneath my feet, bright sun on my neck.

I am from the land of endless heat

When christmas was 80 degrees

Whose day was enjoyed in shorts and t-shirts

I am from the beach drive and sunglasses,

From top down and music loud

The hot everything, burning to the touch.

The late nights on sticky shirts and small candies.

I am from the freedom of endless fun and play all day long

I am from the land of palm trees swaying in the breeze.

The sand underneath the only safe haven

The shade the only saving grace.

From the freedom days to outside classrooms

From koi ponds to fish feedings,

From aquariums to safaris.

Oranges so significant, plastered on license plates.

My closet hold memories from such land

Papers and photos, records and certificates.

Taken with me on a journey across america.

To the crossroads, land of corn and rustic barns

New friends behold and endless opportunities,

Fun to be had and memories to be made.