I am from the spicy food that makes your mouth burn
but you eat it anyway.
From those smiles stored in a bottle,
collected after a long day of having fun.

I am from that ridiculous laugh,
more like a seal’s honk than a giggle;
cheeks that hurt
and from smiling that goofy grin.

I am from the uneven roads,
and monuments built, honoring heroes.
From rainbow colored houses,
like gumdrops in a candy shop.

I am from building forts with cushions and pillows,
jumping from couch to couch,
trying to save ourselves from “the lava.”

I am from hours spent with cousins and friends,
screaming as we fly down pavemented hills
on two wheels.
From playing in the streets;
hide n’ go seek in the dark.

I am from “Mind over matter,”
and “If it happened, then it happened for a reason.”

I am from those dusty boxes,
storing hundreds of photographs
inside, not-quite-forgotten memories,
rewinding time.

I am from these roots,
that still have
so much to grow.