2025/Anonymous-

I am from the Land of Smiles and lotus flowers,

From fluffy white snow and sunny tanned beaches.

I am from the salty ocean under the shining sun.

It smelled like fresh fish.

I am from canary yellow polluted skies,

The Christmas parties every year

Whose frosting covered hands I remembered

as if they were my own.

I am from the Rocky Mountains and hot sand beaches,

From sparks and cooking queen.

From “Go to your room.” and “Walk the dogs.”

I am from the volleyball flying over the net

With a high spike

And ten overhangs I can do myself.

I’m from volleyball and piano,

Chick-fil-A and Burger king.

From the leaves lost to the wind

To the blanket that used to keep me warm.

Under my bed was a purple jar spilling dandelions,

A positive of a negative

To drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments-

Of my toddler years before I grew up

I am a leaf staying close to the family tree.

- Inspired by George Ella Lyon