2025/Hailey -

I am from the Land of the Rising Sun,

From kimonos and bloomed blossoms.

I am from The Land of The Morning Calm under the ginkgo tree.

It smelled like where red roses bloomed.

I am from the Centennial,

The baby blue mountain skies

Whose bright white snow I remember

as if it were my own.

I am from peanut butter cookies and reading glasses,

From the kindness

and the energetic,

From “You’re grounded!” and “Young lady!”

I am from the sunny days with a flock of birds and ten recipes I can make myself.

I’m from smores and cinnamon bread,

Mochi and gimbap.

From the friends lost to the PCS

To the sandy beaches used to keep me relaxed.

Under my bed was a purple jar spilling colorful glitter,

And a sprinkling of kindness

To drift beneath my dreams

I am from those moments -

Remembering before I talk

I am full of peace and quiet attached to the family tree.

- Inspired by George Ella Lyon