2025/Aidyn-

I am from the Cologne Cathedral,

From Christmas markets and Bratwurst.

I am from the lanterns under the moon.

It smelled like campfires.

I am from Mount Fuji,

The Snow-capped giant

Whose mystical qualities I remember

As if it were my own.

I am from Lunar New Year and temples,

From Air Force and Staying- at- Home.

I am from the determined and sweet,

from “Good Job!” and “Come and Eat!”

I am from Basketball with a net

and ten buckets I can make myself.

I’m from Deutschland and glacial weather,

Soccer and cleats.

From the bare summers lost to the icy winter

To the frosty days used to keep me frigid on the walk to school.

Under my bed was a purple box spilling dandelions,

A cloud of dust

To drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments-

Socializing before I even knew that person.

I am a leaf growing from the family tree.