2024/Natalie -

I am from the lavender, pink, and white mayflowers,

From gardens full and pretty sunsets.

Happiness, and fun, it tasted like home.

I am from the food of my 할머니

The spicy tteokbokki making my eyes water

Whose spicy goodness

I remember as if it were my own.

I’m from The Bay State

And Crashing waves, from merriment

And spending time with family

I’m from the black and white balls flying through the air

And from HipHop and piano!

I’m from the flute with high notes to low

And ten sweet melodies I can play myself.

I’m from playgrounds and ice cream, walking and the ocean.

From the soft grass in my backyard

Lost to the pink cherry blossoms

Used to keep me with my friends.

Under my bed was a volleyball bag

Spilling deafening cheers, to drift beneath those dreams.

I am from the moments-

Spiking before I have won-

Dandelions attached to the family tree.