Where I Come From

I come from...

6020 Red Wind Court, Columbia, Maryland.*

I come from the rush of wind whipping through my hair,

higher, higher on that homemade backyard swing.

Memories of selling ice cold lemonade in the blistering summer heat.

From soccer balls and back handsprings,

to forest green uniforms, tagalongs and thin mints.

I come from monster trucks instead of Barbie dolls,

dirt bikes through winding backyard paths.

From climbing that old, gnarly oak tree,

to turning the cul-de-sac into a basketball court.

I come from parents of two different worlds,

the lingering smells of both kim chi and saffron.

From the warmth of a fireplace and glow of Christmas lights,

to the taste of sabzi polo on Eid.

I come from a computer at three years old,

education above everything.

From high expectations,

"you can do anything you set your mind to."

I come from the crisp white sheets of a hospital bed,

the overpowering smell of disinfectant.

Cancer in all its forms.

From learning how delicate a life truly is,

to finding comfort in the arms of those left behind.

I come from learning to find the good in any bad situation,

inner strength is found when it is needed most.

From being told that hard work reaps rewards,

to finally believing it for myself.

Where I come from is so much more than just an address.

*Address has been changed for my privacy*