2025/Caia -

I am from salt water and sandcastles,

From cold snowy winters and foggy mornings.

I am from jets roaring under the pollution filled sky.

It smelled like the salty ocean.

I am from red rocks and stones,

The scorching hot days

Whose bright colors I remember

As if they were my own

I am from long airplane rides and “See you again!!”

From mom’s baking and Dad’s football games.

I am from seasoned steaks

And the root beer floats,

From “Go outside!” and “Clean your room!”

I am from the green grassy hills and pine trees

With a smore in my hand next to the hot fire,

And ten songs I can play myself.

I am from volleyball and gymnastics,

Music and traveling.

From the friends lost to the PCS

To the baking that was used to keep me happy.

Under my bed was a photobook spilling memories,

A positive and negative

To drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments-

family game nights before bed,

I am the purple leaf that moves with the family tree.

- Inspired by George Ella Lyon