2024/Gwyn-

I am from the Land of the Chamorro

From ocean waves crash and red rice.

I am from the jungles under the hot sun.

I’ve eaten good, juicy barbeque, it tasted like heaven.

I am from the place where chickens roam and where

The coconut trees sway in the wind

Whose boars, the oceans, and food I remember

As if they were my own.

I’m from the Lakers play basketball and the Mojave Desert

From Joshua trees and the first Disneyland stands.

I’m from the Bear Flag State and the

Roaring cities

From “I love you!” and “See you later!”

I’m from the chirping pigeons

With a field of dandelions sprouting out memories

And ten drawings and games I can do myself.

I’m from fast-food restaurants and where the Golden Bridge stands

In-N-Out and traffic noises.

From the old friends I’ve lost

To the PCS and had made new friends

Used to keep me warm and joyful.

Under my bed was a purple music box

Spilling pleasant songs of past thoughts

A bunch of feelings

To drift my dreams.

I am from those memories

Playing with snow before I freeze my own hands

Like a bird fallen from a tree full of sleet.