I am from swimming pools as chlorine stings your eyes
But just trust in your lungs and to the bottom you’ll dive
I am from Converse and Levi’s with the knees worn right through
Sneakers laced tight and jeans patched up too
The staircases and tile paint a portrait of home
Dark wood, ancient trees, a foundation of bone
Wood violets and dropping willow hold my sighs in their leaves
Beware of the hemlock for needles hold a poison if consumed then is deadly
Crushed chrysanthemums for my eyes and a daisy chain as a crown
I am from the far rolling hills and the thrill of tumbling down
Here is where my family has planted their roots
We bring blood from across the oceans but west coast salt coats our boots

Oí! we exclaim but myself most of all
Jump and I’ll catch you, we don’t let each other fall
I am from quotes written about strength and notes scrawled on margins
Shooting star wishes and law enforcement jargon
A streak of blue in my veins to represent those they’ve protected
From canines and motorcycles so different yet connected
Though my future looks different, I was taught to take charge
Be a leader, not a sheep, stand up tall and go far

I am from butterflies and book spines and words scattered like dust
For within there’s a snake charmer but not a snake there is just
A pen filled with ink to spill letters like wine
But few know the melodies these hands craft in the hopes of creating the sublime
Don’t be fooled though so quickly for just as pen triumphs over sword
Slanted penmanship does not mean I lack ability to pluck out a fine chord
Ivory keys beneath fingertips and metallic strings pressed down taunt
Let out rich, vibrant crescendos just as I was taught
As the crescendo increases so to does my voice
Speak up, do what’s right, make Mum and Dad proud with your choice

I am from leaps of faith though I believe in no god up above
A bird is just a bird not an angel sent dove
Scientific hypothesis hold their positions in mind
X cubed, coefficients, and a cotangent graphed line
Rationality and facts, think with your head not your heart
Sarcasm, however, with every sentence I’ll start

You’ve asked where I’ve come from and I’ve done what’s my best
To show to you what I’m from is not simple but quite a large mess
From the sun in my hair to the flowers on the ground
I am from everlasting yet shifting, from silence with sound