2024/Tani -

I am from the Jazz Capital of the World,

From colorful festivals and the bayou state.

I am from the waiting lines under the shade.

sunshine, trees, it tasted like raspberry tea.

I am from the purple, yellow, and green beads

the shiny decorated parade vehicles

whose upbeat music I remember as if they were my own.

I’m from beautiful aquariums and wet sand,

from vibrant flowers and roaring waterfalls.

I’m from the enchanting scenery and the serene ocean,

from seatherny and cold early mornings!

I’m from brilliant rainbows

with a brightly shining sun

and ten songs involving the violin I can do myself.

I’m from fortissimo and classical instruments,

grand pianos and sheet music.

From the soundproof rooms lost to the harmony of two notes,

used to keep me entertained.

Under my bed was a box of childhood photos spilling nostalgia

a memory of friends to drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments -

floating high on the swing before I leave-

increasing altitude fallen as I am jumping off