Where I’m From

I am from cotton candy,

From mashed potatoes and diapers full of my cousin’s poop,

I am from my bedroom,

(My personal getaway,

Submerged in the depths of tranquility.)

I am from my orange tree,

My Jacuzzi

In which one of my dogs made a mistake

And went for a swim

I am from gummy bears and boys,

From Khanh and Kathleen.

I’m from the secrets

And the lies,

And from museums and zoos,

From rock candy and lost money

I’m from backwards alphabet

Recited in fourth grade

And still able to recite

San Jose, the place I forever have been

I’m from my red Paris hat and my squeaky shoes

From Barney and the rhymes

I desperately tried to remember.

From Chuckie Cheese’s and Raging Waters,

From my fear of roller coasters,

And my happiness for carousels.

I am from the “Good Job” my kindergarten teacher gave me,

She was the one

Always getting me in trouble,

And for once,

I was not.

I am from material things and memorable words,

The mysteries of myself

And the many more to uncover