I am from barefoot games of hide-and-seek
From squeaky swings and icy pool water
From agonizing mosquito bites that itch to my core
And twinkling lights from both fireflies and stars
I am from my backyard–never-ending fun and countless memories.

I am from a cozy Cape Cod where I've memorized all its little creaks.
From the aroma of a plethora of foods coming together
From Friday night laughter with movies and board games
And bickering the next morning because we all stayed up way too late.
I am from home–a place to have fun, be accepted, and, most of all, a place to be loved.

I am from peaceful neighborhoods with laughing children
From shopping centers and movie theaters where we waste away our time and money
From honking cars and barking dogs,
And all the laughing, crying, yelling, or talking people in between.
I am from Smyrna–a mixture of everything and somewhere anyone can belong.

I am from independence and freedom of speech
From the gradual acceptance of all kinds of people
From perseverance through even the toughest of times
And the most brave, caring, and courageous people risk everything to protect our country.
I am from fifty stars and thirteen red and white stripes–united.

I am from a time of knowing, not just knowing of, your neighbors
From people who cherished the times of day where you sat and talked and learned about one another
From a once technology-free society that interacted like human beings should
And where you went outside when you were bored and wanted something fun to do.
I am from a social people without the aid of social media–real, personal.

I am a student trying to soar to high heights.
I hope to teach, not just lessons about English and math and every subject in between, but lessons about life.
I wish to travel great distances, from the Big Apple to the City of Lights,
And to learn things about myself along the way.

I want to make an impact on at least one person on my path of life.
I want to look back and congratulate myself on simply living.