I Am From

I am from seashells,

from sandcastles and saltine crackers.

I am from the many doors of the Windsor Heights apartment building

and you could hear the waves crashing on the beach of San Diego, California.

I am from a slender-stemmed palm tree

whose large leaves swayed over me at my endless days at the beach.

I am from Disneyland season tickects and from soft salted pretzels shaped like Mickey Mouse ears,

from my grandpa, who ran marathons, to my Aunt Dotty who wore 3 rings on every finger and toe.

I am from the suave and the persistant,

and from the storytellers.

I am from the Christmas Carol play and breakfast at grandma's on Christmas morning,

from arroz con pollo, carne asada, and corn beef and cabbage.

I am from the William and Mary ship that sank coming from the Netherlands

and from the Choctaw Trail of Tears and the Treaty of Dancing Rabbits.

Often I would listen to my parents' long lectures about life and what is right.

That is what made me the person I am today that is to stay.

I am from endless laughter, countless smiles, and friendly sibling fights.

I am from sitting on my grandpa's knee, listening to the stories he would always tell me.