2024/Josiah-

I am from the hot orange mountains,

from jumping needles and to hot heat.

I am from the spiky cactus under the moonlight.

Pizza, it tasted like Little Caesars

I am from the tropical area

the beach

The Ellie friend I remember

as if she were my own.

I’m from McDonalds and Jordan store,

from the protecting base and hot dogs.

I’m from the pollution and the

dusty desert,

from tower and base exchange!

I’m from Minecraft

with a controller

and ten necessary tools I get myself.

I’m from basketball and soccer, coyotes and Subway.

From Luke Elementary lost

to the PCS,

used to keep me happy.

Under my bed was a purple suitcase

spilling memories of Ellie,

a miniature world of dandelions

to drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments -

lost before I was found -

a leaf attached to the family tree.