Where I grew

I am from stories,

From family legends and fantasy myths.

I am from mangoes falling off trees in the backyard.

(Sweetly and silently,

like drops of sun.)

I am from suitcases and boxes,

To the land of the free

where reality rung before my time

like an early morning alarm.

I’m from bicycles and dresses,

 from exploring and falling.

I’m from broken bones and old movies,

 from Fred Astaire and scraped knees.

I’m from a small Christmas with large love

  and fresh cookies for the fantasy.

I’m from boy bands and dancing,

  performing and shouting.

From the strength my parents suffered from fear,

  the backbreaking work that kept a roof over our heads.

I’m from music and theatre,

  a beautiful dream in prideful eyes,

  that support without doubt.

I am from a life of love-

  full of risks and leaps-

  and- on a better ground of hope.