I was from honking auto rickshaws
and bizarre bazaars.
Now I am from wall-to-wall people
doing their thing
at street fairs on Main Street

I was from incense-filled temples
and pungent spices
that stung my nose
Now I am from spicy hot sauce
on Harry's Burritos

I was from the deep sacred waters
of the Ganges and Yamuna
Now I am from scenic deck views
of the orange moon's reflection
on the expansive Hudson

I was from gold-trimmed, silky saris
that flowed
Now I am the converse of that—
mainly Converse and Levi's

I was from steaming samosas
sold by merchants
on Juhu Beach
Now I am from freshly toasted bagels
shmeared with cream cheese
in New York corner cafés

I was from classical raga rhythms
pulsating in little villages
Now I am from the plucky pluckings
of Beethoven's 4th
amidst a sea of strings

I was from sea trips to ancient ruins
and island temples
Now I am from Central Park boat rides
in the heart of the city

I was from strutting peacocks
and carefree cows
Now I am from saving the lives
of innocent spiders,
returning them to their leafy domains

I was from intricately-carved friezes
on columns and walls
Now I am from the Big Apple's
glass-encrusted towering towers

I was from local river bathing
surrounded by
teeming pilgrim masses
Now I am from wet suits and snorkels
and 50 foot depths
where schools of striped fish
and turtles glide by

I am from what I was..
and from what I am…Now