Jasmine-Osan Middle High School-Osan, South Korea

I am from the fields of Vidalia onions,

the last frontier and moose in my yard.

I am from the gleaming saltwater under the red bridge,

Turquoise, shimmering

The smell was a delight.

I am from neighborhood friends,

the warm summers with bright stars

I remember as if they were my own.

I am from Active Duty and a former soldier,

from Egypt and Damon.

I am from the passive aggressives and kind hearts,

From “Watch your mouth!” and “Stop making all that noise!”

I am from traveling the city with a colorful map

and ten streets I can find myself.

I am from car and trains,

planes and boats.

From the memories lost to the dandelions

to the stunning skies used to keep the stars.

Under my bed was a purple gameboard spilling cheerful memories

a gorgeous meadow of dandelion remembrance

to drift between my dreams.

I am from those moments-

snatched before I had them in my grasp.

I am a purple leaf dug into the family tree.