2025/David -

I am from the island of Shuri-Naha calling it my birthplace and homeland,

from the sunny glimmering skies of Okinawa and to the cool coast breezes of the ocean.

I am from the warmer parts of Japan under the clean invisible air.

It tasted or smelled like the refreshing parts of the coastal beaches.

I am from where it is rather warm and humid,

the place where it tends to not snow because of the climate

whose distinct feelings I remember as if they were my own.

I am from the Republic of Korea and the Land of Spiciness,

From an Air Force recruiter and a Mother – of – a - Child.

I am from the land where it sticks out on the east side

and the land where it is mildly hot and cold throughout the months,

from the warm blue skies to the cool dim atmosphere

I am from where I can visibly see the sky soarers take off

with a moderate view of other landscapes and cities

And ten other details I can do myself.

I’m from the place that I recognize home and takes place within my memory,

from the hot and rising levels of humidity.

From the homes we saw loosened to the sky birds we went on

to the bright places I used to keep around my home.

Under my bed was a dandelion I found fluttering and spilling memories and nostalgia,

an object buried within my childhood

to drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments–

remembering a faded color of purple before I moved away

I am a leaf being held strongly from the family tree.