I am from the coziness and loudness of my home
From many rows of townhouses and many neighbors
I am from being bilingual and “pick one language to talk in!”
I am from the strong, relaxing smell of flowers in the garden that reach deep inside
and into my heart
I am from a busy schedule
From gymnastics to swimming









From school work and band
I am from “practice makes perfect”
and “whatever you’re doing, do it well”
I am from doing my best and from pulling ideas way down in my soul

I am from the trampoline pushing me to the sky
From the spring that gives me power to jump over the volt
I am from the music dancing in my ears
From the endless tapping of my foot that keeps me on beat
I am from the water hugging me with coldness to get me swimming
From the whistle that startles me every race, even though I know it’s coming

I am from being the shortest around my friends
From laughing and crying and keeping company
I am from being shy one moment and going crazy the next
I am from talking ‘till morning on sleepovers
From jokes and silly stories and acting like a crazy lunatic

I am from moving too many times
From the skyscrapers in New York and the nature in Massachusetts
From the ripe and juicy oranges in Florida and busy Hollywood in California
I am from fun trips every year that are bold print in my journal of memories
From a wave of pictures that rushes into the computer after every trip

I am from my loving mom who supports me every step of my way
From my encouraging dad who wants me to be the best
I am from my caring and loving brother who puts in a sparkle of sunshine into everyday
I am from my parrots who sing their good mornings
From my turtle that’s as fast as a bunny

I am from big, loud parties
From a wide range of family and friends
I am from the delicious and warm matzo balls on Passover
From the New Year’s feast and the pleasant, woody smell of pine throughout the house
I am from sweets on the table that beg me to eat them

I am from my family that puts me together like a puzzle
From encouragement and advice that are my seams
I am from never forgetting the stories of my relatives
From my great-grand parents that were part of the war
From memories that serve as great motivation in my life
I am from all these things that are my layers
and from the life and character of me