2025/Alyssa -

I am from the Golden Place with mountains

From the humid mornings under the bright sun

It tasted and smelt like dirty water in the air and the delicious popsicles.

I am from the burst of factory air

The hot humid summers where all my childhood friends were

As if they were my own.

The Golden Bears and the Golden Gate Bridge

From Ashley and Marshall.

I am from the warm and friendly,

the loyal and dependable.

From” Be nice to your brother!” and “Go to your room!”

I am from the Natural wonders and national parks

With a Disneyland Park

And ten riding bikes fast downhill I can do myself.

I am from the Air Force and the Stay- at- Home

From the Land of Vineyards and the yellow grass.

From the memories lost to the brain

To the board games now through electronics

used to keep me wondering.

Under my bed was a purple box of baby photos of me

A wave of sadness hit me

To drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments -

Years I have grown before I even closed my eyes.

I am a leaf in the wind still growing from the family tree.

- Inspired by George Ella Lyon