2025/Rayel -

I am from the Big Apple,

From sunshine and swimming.

I am from the beaches under the sand.

It tasted like hot dogs and salt water.

I am from the City that Never Sleeps,

The crazy big crowds

Whose warm and salty pretzels I remember

As if they were my own.

I am from pink flamingos and zoos,

From humidity and hot temperatures.

I am from the palm trees

And the geckos,

From Disney World and alligators.

I am from the dances of dandelions

With a spin

And ten routines I can make up myself.

I’m from K-pop and temples,

Spicy BBQ and Kimchi.

From the dog lost to the PCS,

To the family and friends used to keep me happy.

Under my bed was a silver cart spilling photos,

A pile of memories

To drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments -

A purple rose before I grew.

I am a flower attached to the family tree.

- Inspired by George Ella Lyon