
Where I’m From
Updated: Dec 3, 2020

I am from the smell of spices mixing in the kitchen
cardamom
cumin
coriander, everyday
What’s for dinner today?!
I am from the land of the rising sun
Warm cashiers and people running after me with the wallet I just dropped
Biking amongst the green and concrete through fits of happiness sadness rage
Why is Mamma visiting the doctor so much?!
I am from endless rolling hills and the Mediterranean Sea
The smell of tea and cigarette smoke and couscous filling the night markets
Prayer calls never going unnoticed at any time of day
Can you really eat snails?!
I am from shy beginnings to confident college years
The pride of being a brown feminist
The guilt of ever being envious of my white classmates
So it’s f i n a l l y fashionable to have darker skin?!
I am from perpetual friendships and never-ending conversation
Eating napping studying living together
Creating a home 6,000 miles away
Should we go skydiving next month?!
I am from my parents’ worldly knowledge, unattainable anywhere else
Always look at the bigger picture
Kindness and selflessness command respect
Family first
…How is it possible to love so deeply?!
Credits:
drawing by steve johnson