I am from my tricycle
From cereal and picture books,
The pictures and words spoke to me as if they were alive.
I am from a mismatched home.

I am from aromas,
Creeping in the kitchen,
From the Banana Leaf Tree,
Whose plate-sized leaves waved ”Hello” at the sky,
In the early autumn wind.

I am from pots and pans,
Their clanking was music to my ears.
I am from a family of readers,
And a family of eaters.

I am from “Bless You”
After I sneeze.

I am from my parents.
From lasagna and chicken.
From Egyptian immigrants,
And my koala shirt from Australia.

I am from writing,
Ideas and words I can’t keep in my head.
Poems I turn them into,
Poems that keep me bright.