My Entirety

I am from the black and white keys

That make up the Yamahas and the Steinways.

I am from the handmade art

That adorns every corner and space.

I am from the flamboyant tree.

From small garden patches,

Filled with glorious greens

Replanted, reconstructed, and revered

As I watched my mother do.

I am from the twelve grapes

To be consumed at midnight

During a large gathering,

Prior to a new beginning.

I am from the couple,

Angel and Margarita.

They became a trio,

And now include Ale, Angel, and Margarita.

I am from the continuous sounds

Brought to life through the hands

Or through the voice,

Meaningful, magnificent music,

And unmistakably loud laughter.  

I come from the conviction

“All that matters is your happiness,”

And the idea

“Hard work is key to all success.”

I come from the one o’clock Sunday misas.

Sing many songs all in Spanish,

To demonstrate my faith

In His name.

I am from the tropical concrete jungle.

Arisen from the union of two nations.

Eaten pandebono and frijoles rojos,

And enjoyed these too frequently.

I am from the protective parents,

From the loving uncles and aunts,

Not one sibling,

Only cousin companions.

I am from the picture books,

Organized by dates and categorized with labels.

Several hundred pages

Seek to hold seventeen years

Of every laugh shared and every moment spent,

Seemingly almost an impossible task.