I am from swing sets,
from Little Tikes and Fisher Price.
I am from the plants in the backyard.
(Green, growing
It was full of energy.)
I am from the mandarin trees
the magnolia flowers
whose strong luring scent I remember
as if it were yesterday.
I’m from mooncakes, red envelopes,
and family dinners
from Cheung and Cheng and Lee
I’m from the hard-working bunch,
full of mistakes and laughter
from “Finish your food” and
“How was school”
I’m from going to weekly school masses
to monthly school masses
with “Lord I Need You”
I’m from the Pelican State and
Chinese New Year,
crawfish and dim sum.
From the time I dragged my baby sister
down the stairs
the constant quarrels between my twin sisters
In my drawer
were photos albums,
capturing my childhood moments
to wander back in time.
I am from those memories
blossoming as I grow,
learning from each and every single moment.